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Home > Heterodox Out Loud > Faith, Fear, and the Future of Democracy with Jonathan Rauch | Ep 38
Podcast: Heterodox Out Loud
Episode:

Faith, Fear, and the Future of Democracy with Jonathan Rauch | Ep 38

Category: Science & Medicine
Duration: 01:02:14
Publish Date: 2025-06-17 09:00:00
Description:

Why does a self-described “gay, atheistic Jewish guy” argue that America needs more Christianity right now? In this thought-provoking episode, Jonathan Rauch, author, Brookings Institution senior fellow, and newly appointed board member of Heterodox Academy, joins host John Tomasi for an insightful discussion recorded in Washington, D.C.

 

Jonathan reflects on his new book, Cross Purposes, a contrarian apology for the Christian values that once helped sustain both American self-government and its universities. Drawing from personal narratives, constitutional history, and contemporary social fractures, Rauch argues that the decline of robust, virtue-based Christianity and the politicization of faith have contributed to polarization, anxiety, and a crisis of institutional trust.

 

Jonathan and John discuss Tocqueville’s analysis of individualism, the “God-shaped hole” now filled by less constructive substitutes, and what both faith and scholarship can contribute to a pluralistic republic. Join us for the conversation and explore practical and philosophical pathways to revive the transformative power of both religious and academic institutions.

 

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