• Faith: Christian - Catholic
• Career: Journalist
• Birthday:  November 28, 1979

Ross Douthat is an American journalist, author, and correspondent for CBS News' 60 Minutes. Recognized as one of the nation's leading conservative public intellectuals, Douthat writes on politics, religion, culture and public policy, often bringing a distinctly Christian perspective into mainstream national debates. Over the course of his career, he has authored several influential books and established himself as one of the most prominent Catholic voices in American journalism.

Douthat was born on Nov. 28, 1979, in San Francisco, California, and was raised primarily in New Haven, Connecticut. His family came from a New England Protestant background that gradually moved toward charismatic Christianity during his childhood. Those early religious influences would later shape his own spiritual journey, although he eventually took a different theological path.

He attended Harvard University, where he earned a bachelor's degree in history in 2002. While at Harvard, Douthat served as an editor of The Harvard Crimson, gaining experience that launched his career in journalism. His time at the university also exposed him to a wide range of political and philosophical viewpoints that would influence his later writing.

Following graduation, Douthat joined The Atlantic as a senior editor, writing extensively on politics, religion and culture. His thoughtful conservative commentary quickly attracted national attention. In 2009, at just 29 years old, he became one of the youngest-ever opinion columnists hired by The New York Times. His twice-weekly column has covered presidential politics, higher education, technology, family life, religion and the cultural shifts shaping modern America.

In 2026, Douthat expanded into broadcast journalism when he was named a correspondent for CBS News' 60 Minutes. The appointment marked a significant new chapter in his career, bringing his reporting and analysis to one of television's most influential news programs while he continued his work as a columnist and author.

In addition to his newspaper work, Douthat has contributed to numerous publications and frequently appears on television, radio and podcasts to discuss politics and religion. His writing is known for combining historical analysis, philosophical argument and cultural criticism while engaging readers across the political spectrum.

Douthat is also a prolific author. His books include Privilege: Harvard and the Education of the Ruling Class, co-written with Reihan Salam; Grand New Party, which examined the future of American conservatism; Bad Religion: How We Became a Nation of Heretics, an exploration of Christianity's decline in American culture; The Deep Places, a memoir detailing his struggle with chronic Lyme disease; and Believe: Why Everyone Should Be Religious, which presents a philosophical and theological case for religious faith in an increasingly secular age.

Douthat is married to Abby Douthat, and the couple has five children. They have lived in Connecticut while balancing family life with Douthat's national writing career. Although he writes about politics and public affairs, he has often emphasized the importance of family, community and local church life.

One of the defining experiences of his personal life came when he contracted chronic Lyme disease, leading to years of debilitating health challenges. He chronicled that experience in The Deep Places, reflecting not only on the physical effects of chronic illness but also on the spiritual and emotional questions that accompanied it. The memoir offered readers an unusually personal glimpse into a writer more commonly known for political commentary.

Throughout his career, Douthat has remained committed to long-form writing and public dialogue, earning respect from both supporters and critics for engaging difficult questions with intellectual seriousness. While firmly conservative, he frequently critiques both the political right and left, arguing that modern society benefits from thoughtful debate grounded in history, philosophy and religious tradition.

Ross Douthat's Religious Beliefs

Douthat is a convert to Roman Catholicism and has become one of the most recognizable Catholic intellectuals writing in mainstream American media. After being raised in a Protestant family that increasingly embraced charismatic Christianity, his intellectual journey led him toward classical theism and traditional Catholic orthodoxy.

His faith is central to both his personal worldview and his public writing. Douthat frequently argues that Christianity presents demanding truths rather than simply offering emotional comfort or psychological reassurance. He has consistently defended historic Christian doctrine, belief in the supernatural and the importance of institutional churches in preserving theological truth.

In Believe: Why Everyone Should Be Religious, Douthat contends that modern scientific discoveries, philosophical reasoning and humanity's enduring spiritual experiences make religious belief more intellectually credible than strict materialism or atheism. He argues that a purposeful, fine-tuned universe points beyond purely natural explanations and that organized religion remains essential for individual and societal flourishing.

His broader cultural analysis frequently warns that post-Christian societies face increasing moral, social and spiritual fragmentation. While acknowledging the failures and imperfections of religious institutions, Douthat maintains that historic Christianity—and Roman Catholicism in particular—offers enduring moral and theological foundations capable of sustaining both individuals and civilization. Through his columns, books and public appearances, he continues to serve as one of America's most influential advocates for serious religious belief in an increasingly secular culture.