Sharon Brous

"What Faith Means to Me" | Global Conference 2025

Richard Sandler, Sharon Brous, Francis Collins, Michael Dimock, T.D. Jakes

A panel of religious and scientific leaders discussed how the U.S. is experiencing a plateau in religious affiliation alongside a pervasive spiritual identity, noting that pandemic-induced isolation exacerbated health crises and social division. Experts including Dr. Francis Collins, Bishop T.D. Jakes, and Rabbi Sharon Brous debated strategies to bridge the gap between faith and science while advocating for a shift from digital algorithms to authentic, in-person community building. The group concluded that overcoming societal polarization requires active listening, a rejection of misinformation, and a deliberate return to local connections to restore social cohesion.