The Preamble The Chains We Forge In Life, How Religious Is the US, and Hanukkah at the White House
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Dec 15, 2025 Join political and data scientist Andrea Jones-Rooy, also a stand-up comedian, as she explores the importance of data literacy. She skillfully breaks down how to identify manipulation in statistics and emphasizes the necessity of understanding data in daily life. Additionally, she delves into the evolution of Hanukkah celebrations at the White House, from Jimmy Carter's first outdoor menorah lighting to Bush's establishment of an annual tradition, showcasing the growing inclusivity of holiday observances in American politics.
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Question Claims: Data Doesn't Speak Alone
- Don't accept "the data speaks for itself"; ask how data was collected and processed.
- Demand transparency about methods before trusting conclusions.
Religion's Influence Vs. Affiliation
- Americans report religion influencing daily life more than peers in other developed democracies.
- But affiliation and spirituality measures often match those countries, revealing nuanced differences.
Religious Marketplace Shapes U.S. Faith
- U.S. religious pluralism grew because churches had to compete without a state religion.
- That competition produced many congregations and made religion more central to daily life.
