Giving Ventures Ep. 92 - Christian Conservatism
Aug 19, 2025
Ralph Reed, a key player in mobilizing faith-based voters, and Mark Tooley, an advocate for biblical Christianity's role in democracy, discuss the intricate ties between Christianity and American politics. They engage in lively debates on the historical impact of the Great Awakenings, the decline of mainline denominations, and the rise of non-denominational churches. The conversation touches on the shifting identification of evangelicals, the need for civic engagement, and the challenges of Christian nationalism in today's polarized landscape.
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Religious Revivals Shape Politics
- Religious revivals have repeatedly shaped American political movements from the First to a proposed Fourth Great Awakening.
- Ralph Reed argues modern evangelical political power springs from these spiritual shifts and media-driven revivalism.
Awakenings Prepped America For Revolution
- Ralph Reed recounts his historical study linking the First Great Awakening to the American Revolution.
- He says evangelical impulses prepared colonists' minds for independence and political action.
Churches Have Fragmented Into Niches
- Church affiliation has fragmented into non-denominational and niche ministries, reducing national religious institutions.
- Mark Tooley says this decentralization creates siloed audiences and erodes institutional loyalties.
