Christianity’s Crossroads: Faith, Democracy, and America’s Future
Feb 3, 2025
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In this conversation, Jonathan Rauch, an author and advocate for the intersection of faith and democracy, discusses his book, "Cross Purposes: Christianity's Broken Bargain with Democracy." He examines Christianity's decline in America and its effects on democracy, arguing for a return to core Christian principles. The dialogue covers political polarization, the need for a civic theology, and the duality of faith—how it can inspire both good and bad. Rauch also reflects on the challenges of secularism in fulfilling spiritual needs and fostering community.
The decline of Christianity in America is linked to its mingling with politics, which has overshadowed its core spiritual messages.
Rauch emphasizes that the secularization trend results in losing church-provided social connections, leading to increased societal polarization.
Adopting a minority mindset can help Christians express their beliefs more authentically by prioritizing humility and service over political agendas.
Deep dives
The Journey of Understanding Christianity
The author shares a personal narrative that highlights a transformative relationship with a college friend, revealing how it changed their perception of Christianity. Initially, they held a negative view due to experiences of cruelty and hypocrisy associated with the faith. However, through this friendship, they recognized the beauty and ideals of Christianity that promote kindness and respect for humanity. This pivotal experience showed that while Christianity has flaws, its core principles can be profoundly meaningful.
The Crisis of American Christianity
A significant issue discussed is the rapid secularization occurring in America, where the percentage of people identifying as Christian has sharply declined. Statistics reveal that the number of Americans attending religious services has halved over the past 20 years, indicating a major cultural shift. Social connections that churches traditionally provided are being lost, leading to increased polarization and extremism in society. This transformation raises concerns about the consequences of weakening Christianity’s role as a stabilizing force in American democracy.
Christianity's Political Misalignment
The author's argument emphasizes how the intertwining of Christianity with politics has contributed to its decline. As evangelical Christianity aligned itself closely with the Republican Party, the core teachings of Christ became overshadowed by political agendas. This shift has alienated individuals seeking a genuine spiritual connection while simultaneously attracting those motivated by cultural wars. The politicization of faith has resulted in a sharper, narrower church, undermining its foundational messages of love and forgiveness.
Call for Civic Theology
A crucial point raised is the need for a renewed focus on civic theology within Christian communities, addressing how believers engage in politics and social issues. The concept of civic spiritual formation encourages Christians to embody their faith in all areas of life, including political discourse. The author notes the positive example set by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, which has successfully navigated complex social issues while remaining true to its religious principles. This model can inspire Christians to refine their engagement with society, prioritizing mutual respect and understanding.
Embracing Minority Status for Transformation
A thought-provoking perspective addressed is that Christianity may benefit from adopting a minority mindset, akin to the experience of marginalized groups. This approach encourages Christians to see value in being outsiders, which can lead to a more authentic expression of faith. The discussion emphasizes that the moral virtues of Christianity are often most compelling when conveyed through the lens of humility and service to others. By reframing their role in society, Christians can foster a more powerful and transformative witness to their beliefs.
In this episode of The Mona Charen Podcast, Mona Charen speaks with author Jonathan Rauch about his new book, Cross Purposes: Christianity's Broken Bargain with Democracy. They explore the decline of Christianity in America, its impact on democracy, and whether faith can be depoliticized. Rauch, a self-described “atheistic homosexual Jew,” makes the case that Christianity has been a vital “load-bearing wall” for American democracy and argues for a return to its core principles. The conversation touches on political polarization, the role of faith in public life, and what small-l liberals and conservatives alike can learn from the evolving role of religion in society.
Cross Purposes: Christianity's Broken Bargain with Democracy (his new book)
The Constitution of Knowledge (his previous book)
Articles:
An article by Jonathan Rauch in The Atlantic (2003) celebrating secularization, which he later called "the dumbest thing I ever wrote."
Books and Works Referenced:
Tim Alberta’s The Kingdom, the Power, and the Glory (referred to in discussion about the church and politics)
A quote attributed to G.K. Chesterton: “When people cease to believe in God, they don’t believe in nothing, they believe in anything” (noted as possibly apocryphal).
Russell Moore's commentary on the state of the church.
The Bible (including references to Jesus’ teachings such as "forgive your enemies" and "the least of these").
A quote from John Adams: “Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other.”
The Book of Mormon (mentioned in the discussion of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints).
Immanuel Kant’s ethical philosophy (used to support moral arguments).
Rabbi Hillel’s summary of the Torah: “That which is hateful to you, do not do unto your neighbor. All the rest is commentary. Now go and study.”
Legislation and Policies Referenced:
The 1964 Civil Rights Act (mentioning its religious exemptions).
The Utah Compromise (2015) on LGBT rights and religious freedoms.
The Respect for Marriage Act (2022), which protected same-sex marriage while also ensuring religious protections.
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