Ross Douthat Spoke at Brigham Young University Forum
The journalist and author discussed the necessity of religious faith for human survival in the modern era.
Updated on Sept. 30, 2026 in Religion — General
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Journalist and author Ross Douthat addressed a forum at Brigham Young University in Provo. He argued that religious faith remains essential for human survival throughout the 21st century.
Why it matters
Douthat presented arguments regarding universe design and human consciousness, suggesting that secular belief systems may struggle to provide the meaning necessary for long-term survival. He emphasized that religious faith is a critical component for addressing modern existential challenges.
Ross Douthat, who spent 17 years as a columnist for The New York Times, cited the odds of the universe forming by chance as one in a quadrillion. He noted that institutional religious power has been declining since the late 1700s.
The players
Ross Douthat
He is a journalist, correspondent for CBS News, and the author of the book Believe: Why Everyone Should Be Religious.
Brigham Young University
Located in Provo, Utah, this private university hosted the forum at its Marriott Center.
The details
During his presentation at the Marriott Center, Douthat outlined three principles centered on the design of the universe, the nature of human consciousness, and spiritual experience. He concluded that individuals lacking religious conviction face significant obstacles to surviving the current century.
Timeline
Institutional religious power began ebbing in the late 1700s.
The forum was originally scheduled for February 2026.
The event was held at Brigham Young University on September 29, 2026.
Culture Shift
Douthat's lecture addresses the long-term decline of institutional religious power in the West that began in the late 1700s. His appeal for a return to faith highlights a contemporary pushback against this multi-century trend of secularization.
The event at the Marriott Center provided residents and students an opportunity to engage with perspectives on the intersection of spirituality and modern survival. Attendees were encouraged to consider how personal belief structures impact their own long-term outlook.
The takeaway
Douthat's presentation encourages individuals to evaluate the role of spiritual experience in their daily lives. His arguments suggest that examining one's own core beliefs may be a pragmatic step for navigating 21st-century existential challenges.
Further reading
For more on the role of faith in modern society, visit the Religion — General section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Deseret News.
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