Homebrewed Christianity Ryan Burge: Trust, Religion and a functioning democracy
Feb 4, 2025
In this conversation, Ryan Burge, an assistant professor of political science and pastor in the American Baptist Church, dives into the intriguing connection between trust in religion and democracy. He shares compelling graphs revealing a decline in trust in organized religion and the rise of non-denominationalism. With humorous anecdotes and data analysis, Ryan discusses the complexities of the meaning crisis and how societal dynamics are shifting. Expect offbeat discussions on cigars and beer while gaining insights into contemporary American religious and political landscapes.
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Low Religious Trust Historically
- Public trust in organized religion has always been relatively low, even before the rise of televangelism and the religious right.
- Less than 40% of Americans reported a "great deal" of confidence in organized religion in the 1970s.
Declining Institutional Trust
- Distrust in religion mirrors a broader decline in institutional trust across American society.
- Trust in institutions is half what it was 50 years ago, with religion slightly below average.
Local vs. General Trust
- People often criticize institutions generally but view their own affiliations favorably.
- Tripp and Ryan discuss how people love their own church/congressperson while criticizing the broader institution.