The Michael Shermer Show The Faith Deficit: Does America Need a Spiritual Backbone?
Jonathan Rauch, a senior fellow at the Brookings Institution and writer for The Atlantic, tackles the decline of Christianity and its implications for American democracy. He critiques both weak Christianity and the rise of a fear-driven evangelicalism that strays from core Christian values. Rauch emphasizes the need for a cooperative effort between secular and Christian communities to address this crisis. He argues that understanding the importance of healthy religious institutions is vital for preserving liberal democracy, advocating for a return to foundational teachings that promote freedom and moral integrity.
01:29:52
Rauch's Roommate
- Jonathan Rauch's college roommate, Mark McIntosh, was a devout Christian.
- Observing Mark's genuine faith helped Rauch see Christianity's potential for good.
Christianity and Polarization
- The decline of Christianity in America correlates with increased political polarization.
- This decline creates a void filled by toxic pseudo-religions like QAnon and partisan politics.
The Need for Both Science and Faith
- Neither a purely scientific nor faith-based worldview is complete.
- Rauch suggests that a combination of both offers a more comprehensive understanding.
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Intro
00:00 • 5min
Navigating Faith and Identity
04:51 • 9min
Exploring the Founding Fathers' Views on Religion and Governance
13:51 • 2min
Navigating Faith and Atheism
16:12 • 16min
Exploring Morality and Existence
31:43 • 19min
Evangelicalism and American Politics
50:46 • 7min
Faith, Politics, and Wokeness in Academia
57:58 • 25min
Madison's Democracy and Personal Reflections
01:22:41 • 7min
Federalist No. 51
The Structure of the Government Must Furnish the Proper Checks and Balances Between the Different Departments
James Madison
Federalist No. 51, written by James Madison, addresses the separation of powers and the maintenance of checks and balances within the federal government. It emphasizes that each branch of government should have its own will and be independent of the others to prevent any one branch from gaining too much power. Madison argues that this system is essential for the preservation of liberty and the protection of the rights of the people. The essay also discusses the importance of representative democracy and the division of power between the federal government and state governments to ensure a 'double security' for the rights of the people.
The Varieties of Scientific Experience
A Personal View of the Search for God
Carl Sagan
This book is a transcription of nine lectures delivered by Carl Sagan in 1985 at the University of Glasgow as part of the Gifford Lectures. The lectures discuss natural theology, the origin of life, the existence of intelligent life outside the solar system, and the threat of self-destruction of mankind. Sagan argues that science is not a counter-divine tool but rather a means to better understand the world around us. The book includes questions from the audience and Sagan's responses, which sometimes turn into engaging discussions.
Alvy's Error
Alvy's Error
Assessing the purpose of something at the wrong level of analysis
Michael Shermer
Alvy's Error is a term coined by Michael Shermer to illustrate the mistake of evaluating the significance or purpose of actions or events at an inappropriate scale, such as considering the expanding universe when assessing daily life. This concept is discussed in various articles and books by Shermer, including his columns in Scientific American and his book Heavens on Earth: The Scientific Search for the Afterlife, Immortality, and Utopia.
Believe: Why Everyone Should Be Religious
Ross Douthat
Cross Purposes
Christianity's Broken Bargain with Democracy
Jonathan Rauch
In 'Cross Purposes: Christianity's Broken Bargain with Democracy,' Jonathan Rauch delves into the intricate and often contentious relationship between Christianity and democratic governance. The book explores how the principles of Christianity can sometimes conflict with the democratic ideals of a society, leading to a 'broken bargain' that affects both the religious and the political spheres. Rauch analyzes the historical, philosophical, and practical aspects of this relationship, offering insights into how these two powerful forces interact and influence each other.
Varieties of Religious Experience
William James
This book is a collection of lectures delivered by William James at the University of Edinburgh between 1901 and 1902. It focuses on the personal and subjective aspects of religious experiences, rather than on theology or organized religion. James examines various types of religious experiences, including healthy-mindedness, the sick soul, conversion, mysticism, and saintliness. He emphasizes the importance of feeling and personal experience in religion, arguing that these experiences are the primary source of religious beliefs and practices. The book also discusses the psychological and philosophical implications of these experiences, highlighting their complexity and life-altering nature[2][3][4].
The Federalist Papers
A Collection of Essays, Written in Favour of the New Constitution
James Madison
Alexander Hamilton
John Jay
The Federalist Papers are a series of essays written by Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, and John Jay under the pseudonym 'Publius.' These essays, published between October 1787 and May 1788, aimed to convince the public and political leaders to ratify the newly drafted US Constitution. The papers provide a comprehensive analysis of the proposed federal system, arguing for a stronger central government and the adoption of the Constitution over the existing Articles of Confederation. They discuss various aspects of republican government, including the separation of powers, checks and balances, and the protection of individual liberties. Despite their primary goal of influencing New York's ratification vote, The Federalist Papers have become a seminal work in American political philosophy and a key resource for understanding the original intent of the Constitution's framers.
The moral arc
Michael Shermer
The Brothers Karamazov
Larissa Volokhonsky
Fyodor Dostoevsky
Richard Pevear
Set in 19th-century Russia, 'The Brothers Karamazov' is a novel that delves into the lives of the Karamazov family, focusing on the three brothers—Dmitri, Ivan, and Alyosha—and their complex relationships with their father, Fyodor Pavlovich Karamazov. The novel is a murder mystery, a courtroom drama, and an exploration of erotic rivalry, faith, doubt, and reason. It examines the human psyche, moral dilemmas, and the search for meaning in a world fraught with suffering and uncertainty. The story revolves around the murder of Fyodor Pavlovich and the subsequent trial of Dmitri, accused of the crime, while exploring deeper themes of Russian life, social and spiritual striving, and the clash between faith and reason[2][5][4].
Cross Purposes
Christianity's Broken Bargain with Democracy
Jonathan Rauch
In 'Cross Purposes: Christianity's Broken Bargain with Democracy,' Jonathan Rauch delves into the intricate and often contentious relationship between Christianity and democratic governance. The book explores how the principles of Christianity can sometimes conflict with the democratic ideals of a society, leading to a 'broken bargain' that affects both the religious and the political spheres. Rauch analyzes the historical, philosophical, and practical aspects of this relationship, offering insights into how these two powerful forces interact and influence each other.
Jesus and John Wayne
How White Evangelicals Corrupted a Faith and Fractured a Nation
Kristin Kobes Du Mez
The book delves into the history of American evangelicalism, focusing on how white evangelicals have promoted a militant, patriarchal form of masculinity that has aligned with figures like John Wayne and, more recently, Donald Trump. Du Mez argues that this form of masculinity has been central to the political and social transformations within white evangelicalism, leading to the strong support for Trump despite his controversial character. The book also critiques the abuse and corruption within evangelical leadership and explores the broader implications for American society and politics.
The will to believe
William James
In 'The Will to Believe,' William James defends the idea that, in certain cases, it is rational to adopt a belief without prior evidence of its truth. The central essay argues that faith can be justified even in the absence of evidence, particularly in matters of religious belief. James also discusses other philosophical topics such as causality, free will, and the importance of individual action in society. The book is part of 'The Works of William James' series and includes an introduction by Edward H. Madden[2][4].
BOWLING ALONE
The Collapse and Revival of American Community
Robert Putnam
In 'Bowling Alone', Robert D. Putnam presents extensive data showing how Americans have become disconnected from family, friends, neighbors, and democratic structures. He argues that this decline in social capital has significant negative impacts on physical and civic health. The book explores various factors contributing to this decline, including changes in work, family structure, suburbanization, and the influence of technology such as television and the internet. Putnam also discusses historical precedents and potential solutions for reviving civic engagement and social connections.
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Sir Michael Howard
The Language of God
A Scientist Presents Evidence for Belief
Francis Collins
In 'The Language of God,' Francis S. Collins advocates for theistic evolution and describes his conversion to Christianity. The book addresses the long-held belief that science and faith are mutually exclusive, arguing instead that they can complement each other. Collins draws on his experiences as a scientist, including his work on the Human Genome Project, and cites influential thinkers like C.S. Lewis and Augustine of Hippo. He discusses the concept of Moral Law, the universal human longing for God, and how science and religion can coexist without conflict. The book also explores the reconciliation of evolutionary theory with Christian beliefs and warns against using God to fill gaps in scientific knowledge[2][4][5].
Holy Blood, Holy Grail
Michael Baigent, Richard Leigh, Henry Lincoln
Henry Lincoln
Richard Leigh
The book, written by Michael Baigent, Richard Leigh, and Henry Lincoln, presents a controversial hypothesis that Jesus Christ did not die on the cross but lived to marry Mary Magdalene and father children. These children, according to the authors, became part of the Merovingian bloodline in southern France. The book delves into the history of the Knights Templar, the Priory of Sion, and other secret societies, suggesting they were involved in protecting and promoting this bloodline. Despite its provocative claims, the book has been criticized by scholars for lacking historical evidence and being classified as pseudohistory[2][5][5].
What happens to American democracy if Christianity is no longer able, or no longer willing, to perform the functions on which our constitutional order depends? Jonathan Rauch—a lifelong atheist—reckons candidly with both the shortcomings of secularism and the corrosion of Christianity.
Thin Christianity, as Rauch calls the mainline church, has been unable to inspire and retain believers. Worse, a Church of Fear has distorted white evangelicalism in ways that violate the tenets of both Jesus and James Madison. What to do? For answers, Rauch looks to a new generation of religious thinkers, as well as to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, which has placed the Constitution at the heart of its spiritual teachings.
In this timely critique Rauch addresses secular Americans who think Christianity can be abandoned, and Christian Americans who blame secular culture for their grievances. The two must work together, he argues, to confront our present crisis. He calls on Christians to recommit to the teachings of their faith that align with Madison, not MAGA, and to understand that liberal democracy, far from being oppressive, is uniquely protective of religious freedom. At the same time, he calls on secular liberals to understand that healthy religious institutions are crucial to the survival of the liberal state.
Jonathan Rauch is a senior fellow in the Governance Studies program at the Brookings Institution in Washington DC and a contributing writer of The Atlantic. His new book is Cross Purposes: Christianity’s Broken Bargain with Democracy.