Exploring Social Dynamics, Belief, and Purpose Among Youth

Ever since Jonathan Haidt joined us on The Russell Moore Show, listeners have been sending in questions for him. So, on this episode, Russell Moore welcomes Haidt back to the show for a discussion of his new book titled The Anxious Generation, the effects of the digital landscape, and the relationship between mental health and religion. 

Haidt describes how religious communities are taking the lead in providing some protection from mental health problems. He and Moore discuss the ways that modern life lends itself to overprotecting our children in the real world and under-protecting them online. They talk about what childhood is, how it’s been rewired, and the subsequent impact on young people. They consider the unique traits of Generation Z, the power of religious communities, and why people of faith are statistically happier. Moore and Haidt explore the common quest for meaning and purpose, how to shepherd children in a virtual world, and how to account for differences in boys and girls without resorting to misogyny. 

Their conversation also covers the damage of pornography, distractions in worship settings, and how to encourage friends and families to communally steward digital devices. 

Resources mentioned in this episode include:

• The Righteous Mind: Why Good People Are Divided by Politics and Religion by Jonathan Haidt
• The Coddling of the American Mind: How Good Intentions and Bad Ideas Are Setting Up a Generation for Failure by Jonathan Haidt
• The Anxious Generation: How the Great Rewiring of Childhood is Causing an Epidemic of Mental Illness by Jonathan Haidt
• “Jonathan Haidt’s Way Forward for an Anxious Generation” 
• Jean Twenge
• Greg Lukianoff
• Zach Rasuch’s Substack
• Émile Durkheim
• “Joe Rogan Experience #2121 – Jonathan Haidt”
• “Table for Two” by Caedmon’s Call
• Pascal's Pensées by Blaise Pascal
• The God Delusion by Richard Dawkins
• Surprised by Joy: The Shape of My Early Life by C.S. Lewis 
• The Digital Fast: 40 Days to Detox Your Mind and Reclaim What Matters Most by Darren Whitehead
• Andrew Sullivan
• Richard V. Reeves’ Substack

Do you have a question for Russell Moore? Send it to questions@russellmoore.com.

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“The Russell Moore Show” is a production of Christianity Today 

Executive Producers: Erik Petrik, Russell Moore, and Mike Cosper 

Host: Russell Moore 

Producer: Ashley Hales 

Associate Producers: Abby Perry and McKenzie Hill

Director of Operations for CT Media: Matt Stevens

Audio engineering by Dan Phelps 

Video producer: Abby Egan 

Theme Song: “Dusty Delta Day” by Lennon Hutton

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