Redefining Religion, Identity, and Individualism

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This chapter explores the changing perception of religion and secularism in America, as well as the rise of identity categories and the debate around defining individuals based on group identities. It delves into the paradoxical nature of recognizing individuals at the intersection of identities and discusses attempts to address cultural malaise using the tools of individualism. The chapter also examines the importance of fostering community at the local level and investing in public infrastructure for inclusive political engagement.

Yascha Mounk and Tara Isabella Burton discuss the shift in modern societies away from external truths to a new gospel of finding one’s authentic self.

Tara Isabella Burton is a writer and novelist. She is the author of Strange Rites: New Religions for a Godless World. Her latest book is Self Made: Creating Our Identities from Da Vinci to the Kardashians.

In this week’s conversation, Yascha Mounk and Tara Isabella Burton discuss the trend towards religious non-affiliation and the rise of à la carte spirituality; the challenges such a world presents for creating community and political solidarity; and whether we can pursue self-creation while also fulfilling our deepest obligations as citizens of a liberal society.

This transcript has been condensed and lightly edited for clarity.

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