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The Remnant with Jonah Goldberg
Cross and Country
Jan 8, 2025
Jonathan Rauch, a senior fellow at the Brookings Institution and best-selling author, discusses his book Cross Purposes, which argues that democracy thrives on strong Christian institutions. He probes the decline of religious affiliation and its ties to hyper-partisanship and loneliness in America. Rauch emphasizes the need for a balance between Christianity and secular thought, exploring how diverse identities can stabilize society. He also highlights the civic engagement strategies of the LDS Church as a model for promoting democratic values.
01:09:29
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Quick takeaways
- The decline of Christian institutions significantly contributes to the challenges in maintaining democratic governance and societal cohesion in America.
- A growing secularization has led to a loss of communal support systems and an increase in social challenges like loneliness and mental health issues.
Deep dives
The Role of Christianity in Governance
The discussion highlights that America's governance relies heavily on a foundation of Christianity, particularly white Protestantism, which the founders believed was crucial for the country's moral fabric. The decline of this religious background is presented as a significant contributor to the nation's current challenges in maintaining democratic governance. The author reflects on past beliefs that centered around the idea that secularism could suffice in fostering peaceful governance and contrasts this with the realization that strong civic virtue and moral accountability are necessary for a functioning democracy. The conversation emphasizes that without a supportive religious framework, the principles of liberalism may struggle to sustain themselves and uphold societal cohesion.
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Discover
highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode