Believe: Why Everyone Should Be Religious

I had reservations about buying this book and initially decided against it. My reluctance had to do with the fact that I already believe. In fact, I have authored a number of books, magazine, newspaper and journal articles on the subject -- no “best sellers” like the author’s books, but seemingly meaningful words for some readers. I felt no need to reinforce my belief – my conviction – which I have long said extends to 98.8% certainty. I have no real need to move from 98.8% to 100% and don’t think it would make any difference. I’ve concluded that a little doubt or skepticism is a good thing.But I bought the book because the reviews I had read suggested that the author takes the usual deductive approach, i.e., the need to identify God before accepting a belief in an afterlife. My conviction resulted from an inductive approach, meaning a careful examination of all the phenomena suggesting that consciousness survives death, with focus on the psychical research carried out by some esteemed scientists and scholars between 1850 and 1935. It took several years of study and slow movement from a 51% Pascalian position before I got to 98.8% on the survival matter, which also included something more judicious and dynamic than the humdrum heaven and horrific hell of religion. As for God, I infer that there is some kind of Creative Force, but I have also concluded that God is beyond human comprehension. Probably because of my Catholic upbringing, I’m satisfied to think of Jesus as something akin to Chairman of the Board on the Other Side. I have no need to better understand God. Knowing that consciousness survives is enough for me at 88 years of age. Frankly, I don’t think I’ll have a better grasp on what God is after I awaken in one of the many realms of the afterlife I have prepared myself for. Nevertheless, I was hoping the author would help me better understand the deductive approach for future writing purposes, as I believe the deductive approach has been the major obstacle to the religious pursuit.Having now read the book, I know that he examines it from both a deductive and inductive position, although there is no indication that he is really aware of the best evidence, i.e., the psychical research between 1850 and 1935. I see the near-death experience, which he discusses, as icing on the cake, but the cake was baked before 1935, even though few are aware of it and Wikipedia dismisses it all as bunk.Nevertheless, I found it a very informative read, especially the chapter dealing with artificial intelligence. The chapter titled “Three Stumbling Blocks” is worth the price of the book itself and might be read first by those who have abandoned religion for lack of being able to reconcile life’s adversities with a loving God. I enjoyed reading the paradoxes and the author’s explanations of “atheistic self-deception.” It was a refresher for me on perspectives.As I read, I tried to put myself in the shoes of the nihilist while asking myself if the author’s reasoning would move me from my nihilistic perch. Overall, I concluded it might get me to thinking about it for a week or two, but I’d probably forget all I had read and remain a nihilist and materialist. On the other hand, it might very well move some in the lower 50 percent of the belief scale to at least 50 percent or a little higher, enough to inspire more investigation of the overwhelming evidence supporting survival and perhaps to at least take Pascal’s wager. There was much to ponder on. I’m not moved to return to the Catholic Church, but I’m glad I bought and read it. Thank you, Ross Douthat.

Ross Douthat's "Believing" presents a case for the rationality of religious belief in a contemporary world often marked by skepticism. Here's a summary of the book's key themes:* The Case for Religious Reason:* Douthat argues that religious belief is a reasonable response to the fundamental questions of existence. He explores how religion provides frameworks for understanding the cosmos, human consciousness, and the presence of the supernatural.* He challenges the notion that secular materialism is the only intellectually valid worldview, suggesting that religious belief offers compelling explanations for aspects of reality that science alone cannot fully address.* Moving from Doubt to Belief:* The book aims to provide a pathway for those who are grappling with doubt and seeking a more profound understanding of faith.* He encourages readers to consider the value of traditional religious frameworks, particularly those of major world religions.* The Importance of Organized Religion:* Douthat emphasizes the significance of established religious institutions and traditions, arguing that they provide valuable guidance and community.* He speaks to the idea that just being "spiritual" is not enough, and that organized religion provides a map for people to follow.* Addressing Contemporary Skepticism:* The book engages with modern challenges to religious belief, aiming to provide thoughtful responses to common objections.* He uses logic and reasoning to defend the idea of theism.In essence, "Believing" is an attempt to demonstrate that faith is not simply a matter of blind acceptance, but a rational and meaningful way of engaging with the world.

There is no question that Mr. Douthat is highly qualified to discuss these religious issues. My only reservation is that he works primarily for the New York Times, which has lost all credibility with me because of its extreme and highly biased political views. But I would not start with "Believe." I would (and did myself) start with Mr. Douthat's earlier book, "Bad Religions," which does a great job outlining the various historical changes and forces (such as the invention of reliable birth control methods, our many foreign wars in non-English speaking countries, the migration of various religious and ethnic groups to the USA, etc.) that got the US to our current political and religious position in the world.The advantage of this approach is that you the reader can thereby get a better feel for where Mr. Douthat is coming from, how his current beliefs have developed over time, and thus whether you might personally benefit further by reading Mr. Douthat's "Believe."Finally, I would add that because religious matters cannot be scientifically tested by physical data, they can become a highly contentious and emotional issue. So I say give yourself (and Mr. Douthat) a break, and don't impose an unreasonable standard of agreement that, no matter who you are, will surely impede your knowledge from increasing by exposure to new ideas.We all have something to learn. [Which is why I continue to read the New York Times!]

I highly recommend this thoughtful and challenging book. Without preaching or proselytizing, Ross Douthat brings the reader through a reasoned and careful meditation on the possible existence of a supreme being outside space and time. Then he shares his personal growth as a Christian and a Catholic. I read the book twice.