

Christianity and the American Polity
4 snips Mar 6, 2025
Jonathan Rauch, a senior fellow at the Brookings Institution and author of "Cross Purposes: Christianity’s Broken Bargain with Democracy," dives into the intricate ties between Christianity and American politics. He discusses how shifts from core evangelical beliefs have fueled societal divisions and advocates for civic virtues. The decline of Christianity's influence leads to increased polarization and existential crises. Rauch also explores how people find meaning through relationships rather than religion, reflecting on the broader implications for American society.
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Christianity and American Politics
- Jonathan Rauch's book discusses Christianity's role in American society.
- It explores how evangelical Christianity's political activism contributes to polarization.
Decline of Faith in the US
- The US has seen a decline in Christian faith, similar to other developed nations.
- This decline correlates with increased social problems like depression and polarization.
Christianity's Unifying Role
- The US relied on Christianity as a unifying creed due to its diverse, immigrant population.
- Churches provided social connection and moral education, which are now declining.