New York: America's First Post-Secular City | Tony Carnes
Mar 3, 2025
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Tony Carnes, a sociologist and founder of 'A Journey Through NYC Religions,' discusses New York City's evolution into America's first post-secular city. He reveals vibrant religious communities across the city, from Hasidic synagogues to storefront churches. The conversation touches on the impact of faith on local politics and the changing dynamics in urban governance. Carnes also highlights the role of empathy in journalism and the significance of documenting diverse spiritual narratives, showcasing how faith intertwines with urban identity.
New York City has evolved into America's first post-secular city, revealing a resurgence of vibrant religious communities since the late 1970s.
Political leaders like Bill de Blasio have significantly influenced the visibility of religious groups in public spheres, altering the sociopolitical landscape.
The concept of 'sympathetic objectivity' in journalism promotes authentic engagement with religious communities, enhancing understanding and credibility in reporting.
Deep dives
Post-Secular Growth in New York
New York City is described as a post-secular environment, indicating a significant resurgence of religious life after a period of decline. The concept, introduced by sociologist Habermas, signifies a shift from a strictly secular existence to a landscape where religion is increasingly visible and influential. This transformation began in the late 1970s when church planting gained momentum, ultimately surpassing the number of churches closing. Key religious growth was observable statistically, with new places of worship opening up across the city, demonstrating the community's shift away from a strictly secular viewpoint.
The Role of Political Leadership
The podcast highlights the impact of political leaders, particularly mayors like Bill de Blasio, on the visibility of religious groups within public spaces. De Blasio's administration notably supported religious assemblies in public schools and community centers, reversing previous restrictions imposed by his predecessor, Michael Bloomberg. His candidacy thrived on rallying support from religious communities, which felt overlooked and marginalized in the political discourse. This change illustrates a growing recognition of the religious demographic as a vital segment of New York’s sociopolitical landscape.
Integration of Religious and Secular Voices
The relationship between religious and secular communities in New York showcases a complex interplay, with both groups vying for representation in the public square. While secular citizens advocate for maintaining a distance from religious perspectives in governance, the religious community strives for acknowledgment and space in public discussions. The podcast emphasizes that neither side holds a dominant influence, resulting in a unique 'post-secular square' where differing views coexist and are increasingly articulated. This ongoing negotiation characterizes the current dynamic of the city's ideological landscape.
Sympathetic Objectivity in Journalism
The podcast introduces the concept of 'sympathetic objectivity' as a journalistic approach that emphasizes empathy and understanding in reporting on religious communities. This methodology encourages journalists to engage authentically with individuals from various faith backgrounds, fostering trust and deeper insights into their experiences. By combining empathetic listening with objective reporting, journalists can better convey complex narratives within the city's diverse religious landscape. This approach aims to illuminate the challenges and triumphs of faith-based organizations without perpetuating biases or misunderstandings.
Transformative Faith Communities
The narrative highlights various faith communities that have successfully enacted change within their neighborhoods, illustrating their roles as beacons of hope and transformation. Individuals who once led troubled lives have become influential leaders within their religious organizations, contributing to the overall revival of urban areas. Stories of ex-gang members turning into pastors exemplify the profound impact of personal faith on community development and public safety. These accounts underscore the narrative of resilience and redemption, emphasizing the essential contributions of religious institutions to the fabric of New York City.
Tony Carnes, sociologist, journalist, and founder of "A Journey Through NYC Religions," joins us to explore how New York City has transformed from a secular metropolis into what he calls "America's first post-secular city."
Tony shares fascinating stories from his project documenting every religious site in New York City, revealing the vibrant religious communities that thrive in neighborhoods across all five boroughs. From Hasidic synagogues in Brooklyn to storefront churches in the Bronx, discover how faith communities have shaped the city's culture and politics.
Visit A Journey Through NYC Religions: https://nycreligion.info/
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