Jonathan Rauch on the Politicization of Christianity
Mar 12, 2025
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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.
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.
Challenges Facing American Christianity
The podcast discusses the significant changes within American Christianity, particularly how mainline and evangelical churches have shifted away from traditional teachings, resulting in declining membership and engagement. While mainline churches embraced social activism and became politically progressive, evangelical churches became increasingly intertwined with partisan politics, especially during the Trump era, which has led to skepticism about their role in society. A stark contrast is drawn between the culture of fear prevalent among evangelical communities and the potential for a Christian message centered on hope, grace, and civic engagement. The discussion underscores that unless churches return to their foundational teachings and principles, they risk further alienating their congregations and diminishing their societal influence.
The Impact of Political Involvement on Faith
The integration of partisan politics within religious communities has been identified as significantly detrimental to their mission and effectiveness. When churches prioritize political allegiance over spiritual teachings, they risk losing their guiding principles and values, compelling many to seek alternatives outside organized religion. As political identity continues to overshadow religious identity for some, the discussion posits that this merger drives individuals away from church communities entirely. The notion is that faith should remain distinct from political agendas in order to preserve its core message and purpose, which is fundamentally about morality and community.
Reimagining the Role of Faith for Democracy
Looking ahead, the podcast emphasizes the possibility of a revitalized role for faith in reinforcing democratic values and social cohesion. Anchoring this idea is the example of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, which has actively pursued dialogues and collaborations with civil rights organizations, demonstrating a proactive approach to social issues while maintaining its religious identity. The discussion suggests that such models of faith can provide a framework for engaging with modern societal challenges through negotiation, patience, and mutual respect. Ultimately, reorienting religious communities towards constructive participation in civic life could help bridge divides while fostering a sense of shared purpose among diverse groups.
Yascha Mounk and Jonathan Rauch also discuss patrimonialism in the United States.
Jonathan Rauch is a senior fellow in the Governance Studies program at the Brookings Institution and a member of the Persuasion Board of Advisors. His latest book is Cross Purposes: Christianity’s Broken Bargain with Democracy.
In this week’s conversation, Yascha Mounk and Jonathan Rauch discuss the decline of religion and its impact on society, the long-term future of religion in America, and why patrimonialism is the best frame for understanding the Trump administration.
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