Cross Purposes: The Broken Connection Between Christianity and American Democracy
Matt Robison explores the relationship between Christianity and American democracy with Brookings scholar and Atlantic author Jonathan Rauch. They discuss the themes of Rauch's new book, Cross Purposes, which argues that the health of America's political and religious institutions are deeply intertwined. The conversation delves into the decline of Christianity's influence, the rise of secular substitutes, and the problematic blend of religion with partisan politics. Rauch also highlights the potential model of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints as a way forward for American Christianity.
00:00 Introduction: Christianity and American Democracy
01:28 Christianity's Contributions to America
07:17 The Decline of Religiosity in America
14:50 Sharp Christianity and Its Political Influence
19:17 The Broken Bargain Between Christianity and Democracy
22:03 Why Christianity Matters in America
31:05 The Decline of American Christianity
37:22 The Church Within the Church
42:40 A Civic Theology
44:51 The LDS Church as a Model
47:48 Final Thoughts and Reflections
