

664: An Atheist Says America Needs Jesus with Jonathan Rauch
73 snips Apr 9, 2025
Jonathan Rauch, a Senior Fellow at the Brookings Institution and author of 'Cross Purposes', shares his unexpected reflections on Christianity's crucial role in American democracy despite his atheist beliefs. He argues that the failure of evangelicals to truly follow Jesus endangers the nation. The discussion also touches on the implications of trade policies, the current political landscape mirroring the Jacksonian era, and how America can navigate hope amid societal challenges. It's a refreshing take that blends insightful critique with a call for moral standards.
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Podcast Recognition
- Phil Vischer shares that more people recognize him for his podcast than for VeggieTales.
- This shift indicates his continued relevance and the podcast's growing popularity.
Tariff on Lesotho
- The US imposed a high tariff on Lesotho, a small African nation, despite it posing no economic threat.
- This action reflects a misunderstanding of trade deficits and harms developing economies.
Trump's Trade Views
- Donald Trump views trade deficits as "losing" and seeks to eliminate them through tariffs.
- This approach misunderstands trade dynamics, particularly for wealthy, post-industrial nations.