Why Democracy Needs Christianity: A Conversation with Jonathan Rauch

Faithful Politics

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In recent years, American Christianity has undergone a profound transformation—and it's reshaping the foundations of our democracy. In this episode, we talk with Jonathan Rauch, senior fellow at the Brookings Institution and author of Cross Purposes: Christianity’s Broken Bargain with Democracy. A self-described atheist, Jew, and gay man, Rauch argues that liberal democracy has long depended on the moral framework Christianity provides—and that its collapse is fueling political dysfunction, extremism, and civic decay. Together with hosts Will Wright and Pastor Josh Burtram, Rauch explores the historical role of faith in sustaining democratic virtue, the dangers of Christian nationalism, and what it would take for the church to renew itself for the 21st century.
Guest Bio:
Jonathan Rauch is a senior fellow at the Brookings Institution and a contributing writer at The Atlantic. He is the author of several books, including The Constitution of Knowledge and Cross Purposes: Christianity’s Broken Bargain with Democracy. Rauch specializes in civil discourse, political philosophy, and the health of liberal democracy.
Resources & Links:
📘 Cross Purposes: Christianity’s Broken Bargain with Democracy by Jonathan Rauch: jonathanrauch.com
📰 Jonathan Rauch’s article in The Atlantic on “patrimonialism” and Trump (as referenced in the episode): https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2025/02/corruption-trump-administration/681794/
🌐 Braver Angels (bipartisan depolarization network): https://braverangels.org
📖 Losing Our Religion by Russell Moore: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/711057/losing-our-religion-by-russell-moore

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Chapters

1. Why Democracy Needs Christianity: A Conversation with Jonathan Rauch (00:00:00)

2. [Ad] Make It Make Sense with Grant Hermes (00:19:27)

3. (Cont.) Why Democracy Needs Christianity: A Conversation with Jonathan Rauch (00:20:07)