Honestly with Bari Weiss

In the past few weeks, Bari has done two episodes on religion—one asking, “Do we need a religious revival?,” and then a follow-up conversation with Ross Douthat asking how people who grew up in the secular West can actually find faith.Today, we have the last installment of this intellectual and religious inquiry, and we are asking a new question: What is the role of religion as a political force in this country?Our guest today, Jonathan Rauch, says: “Christianity is a load-bearing wall of American civic life.” In other words, the success of liberal democracy depends on a healthy Christianity to support it—and if Christianity falters, our American project will falter too. We get into why that is in this conversation.It’s a fascinating position for a person who happens to be an atheist, Jewish, gay man.And Jonathan doesn’t just say we need to embrace Christianity, he goes a step further. He says that Christians need to look in the mirror and reconsider how Jesus would approach American politics today.  Jonathan is a senior fellow at the Brookings Institution, and he just wrote Cross Purposes: Christianity’s Broken Bargain with Democracy.Bari asks him about the breakdown of religion. She asks about the religious and political forces that have shaped our present moment, like MAGA, the evangelical movement, and their marriage to President Donald Trump. And, she asks about the rise of Christian nationalism and the threat it poses.And, most importantly, she asks how we can restore health in political life.Go to groundnews.com/Honestly to get 40% off the unlimited access Vantage plan and unlock world-wide perspectives on today’s biggest news stories.Head over to fastgrowingtrees.com/Honestly and use the code HONESTLY at checkout to get 15% off your first order. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ross Douthat, a best-selling author and New York Times columnist, argues for the rationality of belief in God. He discusses the current societal quest for meaning amidst challenges, exploring a potential religious revival. Douthat critiques secular liberal views and highlights the significance of community and tradition in spirituality. He delves into the changing dynamics of belief over the decades, the complexities of modern faith, and the existential stakes of losing belief in God. This conversation navigates both contemporary issues and the enduring relevance of religion.

Mark Hyman, a renowned physician and entrepreneur, discusses the critical role nutrition plays in health. He sheds light on America's alarming health crisis, driven by processed foods and rising obesity rates. Hyman emphasizes the importance of understanding food as medicine and shares strategies for combatting dietary addiction. He advocates for a cultural shift away from sugar and highlights holistic approaches to wellness. The conversation also touches on the interconnectedness of physical and mental health and the need for systemic change in agriculture.

Niall Ferguson, an esteemed economic historian and Free Press columnist, delves into the shifting global landscape under the Trump administration. He discusses the implications of tariff policies as either a protective measure or a destabilizing force. Ferguson argues that these moves reflect a larger decolonization of American power, sparking trade tensions with China and risking economic fallout. He highlights the need to understand the deeper dynamics of ownership and media influence in this evolving geopolitical scenario.

Join Mike Allen, co-founder of Axios and former star writer at Politico, and Jim VandeHei, co-founder of both Axios and Politico, as they dissect the evolution of political journalism. Hear about their innovative 'smart brevity' approach that transformed news delivery. They candidly discuss the erosion of trust in media, the impact of AI on journalism, and the ongoing quest for authenticity amidst the chaos of information overload. Plus, they share quirky life advice and insights on maintaining balance while thriving in the media landscape.

In this discussion, John McWhorter, an esteemed linguistics professor and New York Times columnist, dives into the complexities of modern pronouns, especially the singular 'they.' He argues that language evolves and reflects societal changes, sparking a debate about respect and identity. McWhorter examines the implications of adopting they/them for children and the tension it creates regarding traditional gender roles. He advocates for inclusive dialogue around linguistic norms while acknowledging the political ramifications of these shifts in language.

Jay Bhattacharya, a Stanford professor and newly appointed head of the NIH, discusses his controversial stance on COVID-19 lockdowns that labeled him as a pariah. He reflects on the lasting impact of lockdowns on public health, childhood learning, and cancer screenings. Bhattacharya emphasizes the urgent need to rebuild trust in public health and the importance of diverse scientific voices. He shares insights from his journey through censorship to leadership, advocating for transparency and collaboration as vital for the future of public health in America.

Leonard Leo, a powerful force in conservative legal circles and a key architect behind the Federalist Society, dives deep into his extensive influence over the Supreme Court's conservative majority. He sheds light on his strategic role in pivotal judicial appointments under Presidents Bush and Trump, revealing the inner workings of Washington's political landscape. Leo discusses the current state of the pro-life movement post-Dobbs, and the evolving dynamics within conservatism, highlighting the growing tension between traditional values and populist ideologies.

Eugene Volokh, a Bill of Rights expert, Rabbi Dr. Mark Goldfeder, a legal advocate, and Jed Rubenfeld, a Yale law professor, engage in a gripping discussion about Mahmoud Khalil's potential deportation. They delve into the tension between free speech and national security, emphasizing the legal and ethical complexities of deporting someone accused of supporting terrorism. The conversation highlights how immigration laws intersect with protected speech rights, raising important questions about civil liberties and the implications for political activism in America.

Ross Douthat, a New York Times columnist and author on religion, shares insights alongside Ayaan Hirsi Ali, a prominent activist focused on women's rights and immigration. Michael Shermer, founder of Skeptic magazine, argues the case for secularism while comedian Adam Carolla brings humor to a serious debate. They discuss the recent rise in Christian affiliation, the effects of declining religious beliefs on societal cohesion, and whether a religious revival can address contemporary moral crises.