Why Democracy Needs Christianity: A Conversation with Jonathan Rauch

Have a comment? Send us a text! (We read all of them but can't reply). Email us: [email protected] 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 Support Sarah Stankorb’s work and preorder Damned If She Does: Why Women Quit Church and What It Means for the Future of Religion, Releases September 15, 2026.  Bookshop.org: https://bookshop.org/a/112456/9798889837091Website: https://www.sarahstankorb.com/Support the showKeep the conversation going.Want to learn more about Faithful Politics, suggest a future guest, or connect with us directly?Visit our website:faithfulpoliticspodcast.comBrowse our bookstore, featuring books from many of our guests:faithfulpoliticspodcast.com/bookstoreSupport the show and help us keep these conversations going:patreon.com/cw/FaithfulPoliticsSubscribe for behind-the-scenes content, reflections, and updates:faithfulpolitics.substack.comContact the hosts:Josh Burtram, Faithful Host: [email protected] Wright, Political Host: [email protected] Faithful Politics:Instagram: faithful_politicsFacebook: FaithfulPoliticsPodcast