Jonathan Rauch, a Senior Fellow at the Brookings Institution and author of "Cross Purposes: Christianity’s Broken Bargain with Democracy," joins the discussion. He delves into the relationship between evangelical communities and politics, exploring the emergence of a 'Church of Fear.' The conversation also touches on the implications of AI advancements, specifically China's DeepSeek technology, and its impact on competition in the market. Additionally, the chaos surrounding federal funding freezes under the Trump administration is critically analyzed, highlighting its effects on vital programs.

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.

Jonathan Rauch, a senior fellow at the Brookings Institution and an advocate for liberal values, discusses how the Evangelical Church can counter Trumpism. He explores the dangers of post-liberalism and the erosion of trust in institutions accelerated by Trump's patronage politics. Rauch argues for a moral witness over political power from Christianity, emphasizing constructive engagement with democratic values. The conversation touches on the evolving dynamics within Christianity and the need for introspection amidst rising populism.

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.

Jamie Lee Curtis and Lindsay Lohan, both icons of film and pop culture, join political analyst Jonathan Rauch to explore Jonah Goldberg's journey through the conservative movement. They discuss the unexpected remake of 'Freaky Friday' and dive into horseshoe theory in modern politics. The conversation highlights the evolution of American conservatism, the rise of populism, and moral dilemmas faced by public figures. As they dissect the influence of figures like Trump and the identity crisis within the Republican Party, the dialogue captures the tension between integrity and shifting ideologies.

Jonathan Rauch, senior fellow at the Brookings Institution and author of The Constitution of Knowledge: A Defense of Truth and The Happiness Curve: Why Life Gets Better After 50, discusses how our sense of satisfaction with life is age-related, the U-shaped well-being curve, navigating midlife dissatisfaction, and shifting the social narrative around aging.

Jonathan Rauch, a senior fellow at the Brookings Institution and writer for The Atlantic, tackles the decline of Christianity and its implications for American democracy. He critiques both weak Christianity and the rise of a fear-driven evangelicalism that strays from core Christian values. Rauch emphasizes the need for a cooperative effort between secular and Christian communities to address this crisis. He argues that understanding the importance of healthy religious institutions is vital for preserving liberal democracy, advocating for a return to foundational teachings that promote freedom and moral integrity.

0:00 What’s wrong with cancelation?13:28 A defense of Charles Murray21:24 Cancelation and the closet28:08 Jonathan’s book, The Constitution of Knowledge: A Defense of Truth39:35 Jonathan: “The marketplace of ideas” is a necessary but insufficient metaphor42:51 Is Trump an agent of disinformation?54:22 What the woke and MAGA crowds have in common59:41 Why Jonathan is hopeful about the constitution of knowledgeRecorded February 6, 2022Links and ReadingsJonathan’s latest book, The Constitution of Knowledge: A Defense of TruthJonathan’s book, Kindly Inquisitors: The New Attacks on Free ThoughtCharles Murray and Richard Herrnstein’s book, The Bell Curve: Intelligence and Class Structure in American LifeJeff Gerth’s Four-Party Columbia Journalism Review series on Trump and the pressStanford’s Internet Observatory This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit glennloury.substack.com/subscribe

Jonathan Rauch, a senior fellow at Brookings and contributing writer for The Atlantic, shares his insights on the key moments of 2024. He highlights the significance of the November elections and the unrest in the Middle East. The conversation also tackles the contentious legal battles surrounding Trump and the increasing power of the Supreme Court. However, Rauch finds hope in two noteworthy examples of resilience in the public and private sectors, suggesting a path for America to rebuild in 2025.

Jonathan Rauch, a senior fellow at the Brookings Institution, dives deep into party politics with Jonah. They tackle the shift from elite-controlled nominations to a primary system that amplifies charismatic figures over true governance. The duo discusses the impact of populism on both sides of the aisle and the complexities surrounding anti-Zionism versus anti-Semitism. They also explore the potential benefits of ranked-choice voting for fostering moderation and ensuring a more representative political landscape.