Hahrie Han, Professor at John Hopkins and Author of UNDIVIDED
Sep 6, 2024
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Hahrie Han, a professor at Johns Hopkins and an expert on racial solidarity in religious contexts, discusses her book 'UNDIVIDED' and her work at the SNF Agora Institute. She explores faith's role in bridging political divides and enhancing community understanding. Han sheds light on surprising alliances in racial justice initiatives within evangelical spaces. She also tackles the complex dynamics of political identity in the white evangelical community, emphasizing a need for grassroots efforts and a reevaluation of socio-political engagement.
The podcast emphasizes the role of faith communities in fostering respect and understanding amid political polarization and racial differences.
Hahrie Han discusses the SNF Agora Institute's mission to enhance democratic engagement through multidisciplinary collaboration and educational initiatives.
Research presented highlights the risks of political violence due to extreme partisanship, underscoring the need for cohesive social dynamics.
Deep dives
Faith and Equality
The podcast discusses the perspective of a megachurch that emphasizes the belief that everyone is a child of God, regardless of their race or political beliefs. It explores how this faith commitment influences the way individuals treat each other within the community, fostering a spirit of respect and understanding. This belief prompts members to reflect on their actions and the need for compassion in a polarized political landscape. The speaker expresses hope in the capacity of faith institutions to serve as platforms for meaningful dialogue and productive engagement on social issues.
Strengthening Democracy Through Education
The director of the SNF Agora Institute addresses the importance of enhancing democratic engagement and civic participation through educational initiatives. The institute aims to create environments that resemble the ancient Agora, where communities can learn, interact, and develop the skills necessary for democratic participation. By bringing together experts from diverse fields such as political science, sociology, and public health, the institute creates a multidisciplinary approach to studying and improving democracy. This collaborative effort facilitates knowledge production relevant to contemporary political challenges, emphasizing practical applications for social impact.
Political Polarization and Combatting Violence
The podcast features research on political polarization and violence, highlighting the work of scholars analyzing the risks associated with extreme partisanship. Scholars have anticipated the potential for political violence, which gained sudden relevance following events such as January 6. Their research dives into the conditions that lead to political violence and the impact of misinformation in exacerbating divisions. The findings underscore the necessity of understanding these dynamics to foster a more cohesive and less fractious political landscape.
Community Engagement in Political Discourse
The discussion reflects on the challenges of political polarization in American society and the importance of maintaining personal connections across differing views. Despite strong ideological divides, there are opportunities for community engagement that focus on shared human experiences. The speaker suggests that through everyday interactions and conversations, individuals can find common ground beyond political rhetoric. This approach encourages understanding and minimizes the categorization of opposing viewpoints as threats to social cohesion.
Lessons from the Undivided Program
The podcast explores the insights gained from the Undivided program at a megachurch, which aims to confront racial justice issues within the community. By following the journeys of several participants, the program demonstrates how belonging can precede belief, emphasizing the importance of community in fostering racial solidarity. It also highlights the risks individuals must take to engage meaningfully in anti-racist work, wherein structured small groups serve as a space for honest discussions and personal growth. The connections made within this framework can lead to larger institutional changes, illustrating that impact at scale requires grassroots engagement combined with organizational support.
Hahrie Han returns to The Great Battlefield podcast to talk about what she's been up to at the SNF Agora Institute and her recent book "UNDIVIDED: The Quest for Racial Solidarity in an American Church".
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