Podcast Summary: The Opinions – David Brooks: I Found Faith in a Crowded Subway Car

Release Date: December 24, 2024
Host/Author: The New York Times Opinion

Introduction

In this episode of The Opinions, David Brooks, a renowned columnist for The New York Times, delves deep into his personal journey from atheism to faith. Titled "I Found Faith in a Crowded Subway Car," Brooks offers listeners an intimate look at the transformative experiences that reshaped his understanding of spirituality and belief.

Early Life and Religious Upbringing

David Brooks begins by recounting his childhood experiences with religion, which were characterized more by routine than conviction. He shares:

"From time to time I would go to services with my grandfather in the synagogue. But I went to a Christian school, and so I went to chapel every morning and sang the Christian hymns." (02:15)

Growing up, Brooks oscillated between Judaism and Christianity, without a personal belief in God. This dual exposure provided him with a broad perspective on religious practices, even as he identified himself as agnostic or leaning towards atheism for approximately five decades.

The Shift from Atheism to Faith

Brooks's journey toward faith was neither sudden nor dramatic. Instead, it was a gradual transition marked by subtle, profound experiences that challenged his long-held skepticism. He reflects:

"I wish I could say faith came into my life with a big flash of lightning... But it was definitely nothing like that. It came in gradually and on tiptoe." (04:10)

Key Spiritual Experiences

A pivotal moment in Brooks's transformation occurred in 2013 during an ordinary morning ride on a notoriously ugly subway station near Penn Station. Amid the chaos, he experienced what he describes as an illumination—a profound event that altered his worldview permanently.

"I looked around this crowded subway car, and I had this sense that everybody in it had souls... [they] give them infinite value and dignity." (05:30)

This realization extended beyond mere intellectual acknowledgment. Brooks felt a deep connection to the spiritual essence he perceived in every individual, suggesting a universal soul that transcends physical appearance and circumstances.

Additionally, Brooks shares other transcendental experiences, such as walking by Mount Monadnock at dawn, which left him feeling "overawed by the experience that surrounded me" (03:45). These moments of mental elevation hinted at a reality beyond the material world.

Embracing Faith and Its Implications

As Brooks delved deeper into his newfound faith, he immersed himself in religious literature and engaged with diverse religious communities. This period of exploration was marked by an influx of books and conversations with religious leaders, helping him navigate his evolving beliefs.

"I started reading books about faith and coming to faith. It was just a gradual, incremental process." (07:00)

Brooks's journey led him to identify more with his Jewish heritage, appreciating the divine wisdom in biblical stories, while also embracing Christian teachings. This dual appreciation sometimes caused friction with his Jewish friends, who felt his engagement with the New Testament distanced him from his Jewish identity.

"If people want to give me a label, I guess Christian is the right label." (08:00)

Reflections on Faith and Goodness

Brooks discusses the profound impact that embracing faith has had on his perception of human goodness and altruism. He challenges the secular notion that people are inherently self-interested by highlighting examples of radical generosity inspired by religious conviction.

One such example is Pancho Aguiles, a devout Catholic who runs the Living Hope Wheelchair Association in Houston. Aguiles provides wheelchairs to undocumented workers paralyzed in construction accidents, embodying what Brooks describes as "radical goodness."

"Pancho, you radiate holiness. And he said, no, I just reflect holiness." (07:45)

This interaction underscores Brooks's realization that faith introduces a perspective where goodness is seen as a divine reflection rather than a mere product of individual effort or meritocracy.

The Nature of Faith

Brooks articulates a nuanced understanding of faith, distinguishing it from mere belief systems or possession of certain doctrines. For him, faith is characterized by a profound longing and an intuitive sense of something greater.

"Faith suggests possessing... but that's not how faith feels to me. It feels more like a longing." (08:45)

He emphasizes that the joy derived from faith lies not in fulfilling this longing but in the existence of the longing itself—a continuous, enriching pursuit of spiritual connection and understanding.

Conclusion

David Brooks's episode on The Opinions offers a compelling narrative of personal transformation through faith. His reflections bridge the gap between secular thought and spiritual awakening, presenting faith not as a rigid belief system but as an evolving, heartfelt journey. By sharing his experiences, Brooks invites listeners to reconsider the role of spirituality in their own lives, highlighting the enduring quest for meaning and connection beyond the tangible world.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• "I wish I could say faith came into my life with a big flash of lightning... But it was definitely nothing like that. It came in gradually and on tiptoe." (04:10)

• "I looked around this crowded subway car, and I had this sense that everybody in it had souls... [they] give them infinite value and dignity." (05:30)

• "If people want to give me a label, I guess Christian is the right label." (08:00)

• "Faith suggests possessing... but that's not how faith feels to me. It feels more like a longing." (08:45)

• "Pancho, you radiate holiness. And he said, no, I just reflect holiness." (07:45)

This summary encapsulates David Brooks's profound exploration of faith, providing listeners and readers alike with a comprehensive overview of his spiritual journey and the insights garnered along the way.