Should faith and politics mix? | Peter Wehner, Jonathan Rauch with Vince Vitale
Dec 15, 2023
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Peter Wehner and Jonathan Rauch engage in a conversation about the intersection of faith and politics. They discuss the importance of mutual understanding and having conversations with different viewpoints. They explore the tension between miracles and regularity, and they delve into the atheist's reaction to the wonders of the universe. They also discuss the case for and against the resurrection and the potential danger of supernaturalism.
Engaging in honest dialogue and listening to one another is crucial, even when there are significant differences in faith and politics.
Christian support for Donald Trump compromised moral values of Christianity, highlighting the need to uphold them in politics.
Building relationships characterized by vulnerability, authenticity, and mutual respect is essential in interfaith discussions.
Deep dives
The Unlikely Friendship between Peter Wainer and Jonathan Roush
Peter Wainer and Jonathan Roush discuss their unlikely friendship and how they have learned from each other despite their disagreements on topics like faith and politics. They emphasize the importance of engaging in honest dialogue and listening to one another, even when there are significant differences. They also reflect on the damaging impact of the Christian support for Donald Trump and the need to uphold the moral values of Christianity rather than compromising them for political gain. They delve into the intersection of faith and politics, addressing topics such as objective morality, the problem of suffering, and the potential for miracles. Overall, their friendship demonstrates the power of respectful engagement and the need to find common ground amidst differing perspectives.
The Four M's: Morality, Mortality, Murder, and Magic
Jonathan Roush introduces the concept of the Four M's, which are fundamental questions that humans seek answers to: morality, mortality, murder (the problem of suffering), and magic (miracles). He explains that while religious beliefs can provide answers to some of these questions, secular approaches are necessary for others. Roush acknowledges that his atheistic worldview is shaped by his aesthetic appreciation of the grandeur and complexity of the universe, which makes concepts like a divine being seem infantile. However, he respects and appreciates the role of faith for many individuals and recognizes the need for dialogue and understanding between religious and non-religious perspectives.
The Importance of Context and Integrity in Interfaith Discussions
Peter Wainer and Jonathan Roush highlight the importance of context, integrity, and mutual respect in interfaith discussions. They emphasize the need to humanize these conversations and build relationships characterized by vulnerability, authenticity, and intellectual honesty. Wainer shares his own journey towards faith, which was informed by careful examination and critical thinking. He rejects the argument that there is no principled reason to believe in Christian revelation, asserting that his belief in Jesus is based on reasoned arguments, historical evidence, and personal conviction. Roush reflects on the different interpretations and understandings of Christianity, noting that some expressions of the faith can lead to cruelty, hypocrisy, and scientific illiteracy. Both Wainer and Roush underscore the importance of seeking a deeper understanding of one another's perspectives and finding common ground amidst differences.
The Importance of Variety and Diversity of Opinion
The speaker emphasizes the value of having different perspectives and unique viewpoints. As someone who identifies as a minority in terms of atheism, homosexuality, and Judaism, the speaker believes that being a minority provides a niche and a distinct perspective that challenges assumptions and facilitates personal growth.
The Role of the Constitution of Knowledge
The Constitution of Knowledge is presented as a mechanism for resolving disagreements about facts in society, such as election results. It encompasses disciplines like science, journalism, and courts of law, and emphasizes the importance of healthy viewpoint differences and diversity of opinion. Through structured processes and the pitting of biases against biases, a better understanding of reality can be achieved over time.
Vince Vitale hosts this timely discussion around faith and politics, with Pete Wehner, journalist and senior fellow at Trinity Forum and Jonathan Rauch who is a senior fellow at the Brookings Institute. The topic is Should faith and politics mix? How can we take the fear out of politics and make it transcendent rather than transactional? Atheist Jonathan Rauch is an expert in governance studies and the author of eight books and many articles on public policy, culture, and government. He is also a contributing writer of The Atlantic and recipient of the 2005 National Magazine Award, the magazine industry’s equivalent of the Pulitzer Prize. Across from him, is Pete Wehner a contributing opinion writer for The New York Times, and also a contributing editor for The Atlantic. A graduate of the University of Washington, Pete Wehner served in the Ronald Reagan, George H.W. Bush, and George W. Bush administrations, including as Deputy Director of Speechwriting and later Director of the Office of Strategic Initiatives for President George W. Bush.
These two, Pete Wehner, a Christian for many years, and Jon Rauch, an avowed atheist, have plenty of experience in the fray of politics and have distinct political differences. What they share is a deep respect for each other and a loyal friendship built over decades. Listen to the end of the podcast where Jonathan Rauch articulates the three defining characteristics of Christianity.
@Peter_Wehner
@jon_rauch
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