The Opinions What If Our Democracy Can’t Survive Without Christianity?
28 snips
Dec 18, 2024 
David French, an opinion columnist and lifelong evangelical, discusses the intersection of Christianity and American democracy with Jonathan Rauch, a senior fellow and author. They explore how core Christian values can bolster democratic ideals while critiquing the troubling partnership of evangelicals with political power. The dialogue touches on 'thick Christianity' and its role in civic engagement, as well as how believers and atheists might find common ground in a politically charged landscape.
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Christianity and Democracy
- Christianity's core tenets align with Madisonian liberalism: courage, empathy, and forgiveness.
- These virtues are essential for a functioning constitutional republic.
Christianity's Role in Democracy
- Christianity acts as a foundational support for democracy, instilling crucial values like truthfulness and equality.
- When Christianity weakens, people seek values elsewhere, potentially undermining democracy.
Types of Christianity
- David French and Jonathan Rauch categorize American Christianity into three types: thin, sharp, and thick.
- Thin Christianity is secularized and treated as a consumer good, lacking depth and commitment.
