Keen On America

Episode 2547: Paul Elie on Art, Faith and Sex in the 1980s

May 27, 2025
In this discussion, Paul Elie, a writer and scholar at Georgetown University, shines a light on the vibrant cultural landscape of the 1980s. He argues for the concept of 'crypto-religious' art, where artists like Bob Dylan and U2 reinterpreted religious imagery in innovative ways. Elie posits that this period marked the rise of a 'post-secular' society, where religion remained culturally significant despite declining traditional belief. The conversation critiques the emergence of aggressive atheism and reveals how the 80s have shaped contemporary views on faith and art.
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INSIGHT

Defining the 1980s Crypto-Religious Era

  • The 1980s was a "crypto-religious" era where religious imagery appeared without conventional belief.
  • This period, spanning 1979 to 1992, challenged simple decade labeling for cultural history.
INSIGHT

What is Crypto-Religious Art?

  • "Crypto-religious" art uses religious themes that challenge us to question the artist's actual beliefs.
  • This ambiguity forces audiences to reflect on faith and the nature of belief itself.
INSIGHT

Start of the Post-Secular Era

  • Post-secularism began around 1979, halting expectations that religion would vanish in modern society.
  • Religion remained a powerful cultural force, demanding honest engagement rather than dismissal.
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