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New Books in Intellectual History

Religious Freedom: A Conversation on the Conservative Tradition with John D. Wilsey

Feb 26, 2025
In this enlightening conversation, John D. Wilsey, a Professor of Church History and Philosophy at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary and Senior Fellow at the Center for Religion, Culture, and Democracy, discusses the critical evolution of religious freedom within conservatism. He examines how historical perspectives shape contemporary views, the tension between order and liberty, and significant challenges posed by secular trends. Wilsey emphasizes the necessity of religion in maintaining moral frameworks and social cohesion, while reflecting on America's complex past.
44:10

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • John D. Wilsey emphasizes that understanding religious freedom is essential for the younger generation to appreciate the connection between faith and American values.
  • The podcast discusses how conservatives view religious freedom as a foundational principle that must align with established traditions to promote order and liberty.

Deep dives

Foundations of Religious Freedom

Religious practice is presented as foundational to liberty, with America’s unique freedoms deeply linked to its Christian heritage. The speaker emphasizes how this connection shapes America’s national identity and the significance of religion within its political framework. The historical evolution of religious freedom in the English-speaking world is explored, tracing key documents that started from the early 1600s to contemporary declarations. This foundation highlights the necessity of understanding religious freedom not merely as an isolated right but as integral to America’s broader values.

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