Faith, Fear, and the Future of Democracy with Jonathan Rauch | Ep 38

Why does a self-described “gay, atheistic Jewish guy” argue that America needs more Christianity right now? In this thought-provoking episode, Jonathan Rauch, author, Brookings Institution senior fellow, and newly appointed board member of Heterodox Academy, joins host John Tomasi for an insightful discussion recorded in Washington, D.C.

Jonathan reflects on his new book, Cross Purposes, a contrarian apology for the Christian values that once helped sustain both American self-government and its universities. Drawing from personal narratives, constitutional history, and contemporary social fractures, Rauch argues that the decline of robust, virtue-based Christianity and the politicization of faith have contributed to polarization, anxiety, and a crisis of institutional trust.

Jonathan and John discuss Tocqueville’s analysis of individualism, the “God-shaped hole” now filled by less constructive substitutes, and what both faith and scholarship can contribute to a pluralistic republic. Join us for the conversation and explore practical and philosophical pathways to revive the transformative power of both religious and academic institutions.

In This Episode:

💥 Three core Christian virtues as a civic foundation

💥 The perils of “thin,” “sharp,” and “thick” Christianity

💥 Tocqueville, individualism, and the promise of civil society

💥 The hollowing of purpose and scholarly virtue in higher education

💥 Faith, viewpoint diversity, and restoring vibrant campus culture

💥 Challenges and opportunities for self-reform in academia

Read Jonathan’s latest book, Cross Purposes: https://a.co/d/dRaWsfL

Check out more about the Brookings Institution: https://www.brookings.edu/

About Jonathan:

Jonathan Rauch is a senior fellow at the Brookings Institution and a contributing writer for The Atlantic, renowned for his incisive commentary on public policy, culture, and governance. He has authored several influential books, including The Constitution of Knowledge: A Defense of Truth (2021), which delves into the challenges of disinformation and the importance of truth in democratic societies. His latest book, Cross Purposes: Christianity's Broken Bargain with Democracy (2025), examines the evolving relationship between American Christianity and liberal democracy, arguing that the decline of religious institutions has significant implications for democratic health. Rauch's extensive body of work reflects his commitment to exploring complex societal issues, making him a prominent voice in contemporary discussions on democracy, religion, and public discourse. 

In January 2025, Rauch was appointed to the Board of Directors of Heterodox Academy (HxA), 

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