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Ross Douthat’s “Believe” hits New York Times Bestseller list

NASHVILLE, Tenn., February 2025—Zondervan Books is thrilled to announce that New York Times Opinion columnist Ross Douthat’s latest work, Believe: Why Everyone Should Be Religious, has made its debut on the New York Times bestseller list. Believe ranked as number eight in Hardcover Nonfiction and number ten in Combined Print & E-Book Nonfiction after its release on February 11, 2025.

Douthat’s previous works have garnered widespread acclaim, and Believe continues his tradition of intellectual rigor—striking a chord with readers seeking understanding in an era marked by uncertainty and division. Known for his thoughtful exploration of spiritual topics, Douthat presents a persuasive case for belief in a skeptical age, arguing that modern science and reason make faith not only credible but essential. WORLD magazine calls Believe “a Mere Christianity for the 21st century.”

“Ross Douthat has long been one of our most perceptive and persuasive writers on issues of the greatest importance, especially matters of faith and belief,” said Webster Younce, vice president and executive editor of Zondervan Books. “We couldn’t be happier that Believe is resonating with so many readers at this particular cultural moment.”

Recently seen on MSNBC’s Morning Joe, The World and Everything in It, and The Sean McDowell Show, Douthat has offered clarity and insight amid the confusions of our age. His extensive knowledge of theology, philosophy, and current events weave a compelling web of understanding that invites readers to consider deeply the complexities of belief.

In celebrating this milestone, Daniel Marrs, vice president and publisher of Zondervan Books, remarked, “We are incredibly proud of Ross Douthat and the success of Believe, as well as the tremendous work of the Zondervan team. Ross is not only a talented writer but also a profound thinker who has extraordinary insight into the questions our readers are grappling with as they seek to understand the complexities of faith and culture in our world today. We trust that this book will resonate for years to come.”

A New York Times bestseller, Believe is now available at major retailers and on online platforms. For more information or for media inquiries, contact Rebecca Schriner at rebecca.schriner@harpercollins.com.

Ross Douthat has been a New York Times Opinion columnist since April 2009. Previously, he was a senior editor at The Atlantic. He is the author of The Deep Places; The Decadent Society; To Change the Church; Bad Religion; Privilege; and, with Reihan Salam, Grand New Party. He is the film critic for National Review. He lives with his wife and five children in New Haven, Connecticut.

Zondervan is a HarperCollins company and part of HarperCollins Christian Publishing. Zondervan is a world leading publisher and provider of Christian communications. The company’s products are sold worldwide and translated into nearly 200 languages. Zondervan offices are located in Grand Rapids, Michigan. For additional information, please visit zondervan.com.

Contact:  Rebecca Schriner, Publicity Manager | Zondervan Books, HarperCollins Christian Publishing, Rebecca.Schriner@HarperCollins.com

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