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The Good Fight
Jonathan Rauch on the Politicization of Christianity
Mar 12, 2025
Jonathan Rauch, a senior fellow at the Brookings Institution and author of "Cross Purposes: Christianity’s Broken Bargain with Democracy," joins Yascha Mounk for an insightful discussion. They examine the decline of religion in America and its implications for social cohesion and democracy. Rauch introduces the concept of patrimonialism to shed light on modern politics, particularly in the context of the Trump administration. The conversation also touches on the evolving role of religious institutions and the potential for a resurgence of faith amidst secularization.
55:12
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Quick takeaways
- The decline of religious adherence in America contributes to societal issues like increased loneliness and polarization, as individuals seek identity elsewhere.
- The politicization of Christianity risks alienating congregations, while a return to foundational teachings could restore faith's role in promoting democratic values and community cohesion.
Deep dives
The Value of Religion in Community
Religion plays a crucial role in fostering community and belonging, countering the notion that it solely causes conflict. The speaker reflects on their upbringing and the perceived negative associations with religion, particularly Christianity, but recognizes that faith can provide individuals with a supportive community and a meaningful framework for moral decision-making. This perspective suggests that a decline in religious adherence may contribute to societal issues, including increased loneliness and polarization, as individuals seek identity and purpose in other realms, sometimes leading to political extremes. The argument asserts that understanding the decline of religious communities is essential to grasping the broader challenges facing democracy today.
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Discover
highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode