Re-enchanting... belief - Ross Douthat

New York Times columnist Ross Douthat joins Belle and Justin to talk about why religion is good for us

Nick Jones

Nick is the senior editor of Seen & Unseen.

A video title card shows a guest and the quote; 'I am not surprised byre-enchantment

Listen now

Watch this episode

About this episode

Ross Douthat is a columnist for the New York Times and the author of Believe: why everyone should be religious. He joins Belle and Justin to talk about why religion is good for us, and to give some pointers for how the average agnostic may be able to find their way to faith.

Find out more about Ross

Support Re-Enchanting

Since Spring 2023, thousands of people have enjoyed hundreds of podcast episodes and over 1,500 articles. All for free.
This is made possible through the generosity of our amazing community of supporters.

If you enjoy Re-Enchanting podcast, by Seen & Unseen, would you consider making a gift towards our work?

Do so by joining Behind The Seen. Alongside other benefits, you’ll receive an extra fortnightly email from me sharing my reading and reflections on the ideas that are shaping our times.

Graham Tomlin
Editor-in-Chief

Pledge now

Podcast

Creed

GodPod

Podcasts

8 August 2025

1 min read

The visionaries: Kierkegaard's critique of cultural Christianity

Stephen Backhouse and the GodPod hosts on the first of the visionaries

Nick Jones

Nick is the senior editor of Seen & Unseen.

A sculpture of a early 19th century man with a quiff and sharp suit.

Kierkegaard captured in sculpture. The Royal Library, Denmark.

Holger Damgaard, via Wikimedia Commons

Listen to this episode

About this episode

In this, the first instalment of GodPod’ Visionaries series, Graham Tomlin and Jane Williams delve into the profound impact of Søren Kierkegaard, the enigmatic Danish philosopher whose ideas continue to resonate in today's world.

Join us as we explore Kierkegaard's critique of Christendom (or ‘cultural Christianity’), his emphasis on individual authenticity, and his challenge to the herd mentality. With insights from Dr. Stephen Backhouse, an expert on Kierkegaard, we uncover how this 19th-century thinker shaped modern existentialism and continues to influence contemporary discussions on faith, individuality, and societal norms.

Tune in to discover why Kierkegaard's legacy is, perhaps, more relevant than ever

Support this podcast

Since Spring 2023, thousands of people have enjoyed hundreds of podcast episodes and over 1,500 articles.

All for free.

This is made possible through the generosity of our amazing community of supporters.

If you enjoy GodPod, would you consider making a gift towards our work?

Do so by joining Behind The Seen. Alongside other benefits, you’ll receive an extra fortnightly email from me sharing my reading and reflections on the ideas that are shaping our times.

Graham Tomlin
Editor-in-Chief

Pledge now