My conversation with Jonathan Rauch about his new book "Cross Purposes"
Mar 28, 2025
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Jonathan Rauch, a prominent author known for his work on free speech and political thought, discusses his book 'Cross Purposes.' He explores the intricate relationship between Christianity and democracy, advocating for a blend of faith and civic life. Rauch critiques the divide in Christian identity, emphasizing the need for inclusivity. He reflects on the complexities of LGBT rights and argues for the value of compromise in fostering collaboration across differing beliefs. His insights highlight the challenges facing liberalism today and the importance of preserving democratic values.
Jonathan Rauch emphasizes that Christianity's foundational role in American democracy is critical for maintaining societal cohesion and moral authority.
The podcast critiques the declining distinctiveness of contemporary Christianity, suggesting that a revival of civic discipleship is essential for ethical engagement in public life.
Deep dives
The Role of Christianity in American Democracy
Christianity plays a crucial role in American democracy, as emphasized by the idea that it serves as a foundational support for the nation's civic life. It is argued that liberalism was established to end the era of bloody religious conflicts, yet the teachings of Christianity offer essential moral principles that align closely with democratic values. Moreover, the interdependence between America’s constitutional framework and Christian teachings is highlighted, suggesting that while liberal democracy can exist in a secular society, the principles embodied in Christianity can enrich civic engagement and moral conviction. This dynamic suggests that when Christianity's influence wanes, the frameworks that uphold democracy may begin to falter, posing significant risks to societal cohesion.
Critique of Modern Christianity
The podcast delves into a critique of contemporary Christianity, particularly among white evangelicals, noting a troubling trend where religious institutions become ambiguous in their teachings and fail to stand for distinct values. Major Protestant denominations have blurred their theological boundaries, sacrificing core convictions in favor of vague ideals such as inclusivity and peace, leading to a lack of moral authority. Concurrently, conservative evangelicalism has exhibited a departure from foundational principles like civility and compromise, prioritizing political power over ethical teachings. This erosion of identity and distinctiveness threatens to fundamentally weaken the moral fabric that supports democratic discourse.
The Need for Civic Discipleship
There is a call for a revival of civic discipleship among Christian pastors, advocating for a more profound engagement in the public square and political discourse. The discussion emphasizes the necessity for churches to not only instruct members on personal morality but also on how to navigate civic life in a manner that reflects Christ's teachings. It is proposed that a lack of robust Christian engagement in public affairs has led to the rise of divisive pseudo-religions that further complicate the sociopolitical landscape. By fostering a more thoughtful and inclusive civic theology, churches can contribute positively to the democracy and help quell rising tensions within society.
Examples of Productive Religious Engagement
The LDS Church is presented as a contrasting example of Christian engagement that successfully integrates civic values and political compromise without sacrificing core beliefs. They have managed to advance legislation that addresses both LGBTQ rights and religious freedoms, demonstrating a commitment to dialogue and compassion rather than confrontation. This approach underscores the potential for religious institutions to foster compromise as a means to navigate societal divides, highlighting that compromise can indeed be generative, producing innovative solutions that benefit a broader community. The Mormon experience serves as a model for evangelicals to explore, suggesting that constructive engagement rather than hostility could yield substantial progress in public discourse.
It was while reading his latest book, Cross Purposes: Christianity's Broken Bargain With Democracy, in preparation for this interview, that I realized that Jonathan's work over the past few years has been in pursuit of one overarching goal. Jonathan is one of the most prescient voices trying to prevent a return to a pre-Enlightenment society.
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