Episode 96

Jonathan Rauch

What if the strongest case for Christianity’s role in democracy came from an atheist? Jim Baer sits down with Jonathan Rauch to discuss Cross Purposes: Christianity’s Broken Bargain with Democracy, and why America needs the moral backbone that Christian virtues once provided....

April 10, 2025
1 hr 3 min

Host & Guest

Host

Jim Baer

Founder & CEO, CMBG

Episode 96: Jonathan Rauch

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Jonathan Rauch

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Episode Summary

What if the strongest case for Christianity’s role in democracy came from an atheist? Jim Baer sits down with Jonathan Rauch to discuss Cross Purposes: Christianity’s Broken Bargain with Democracy, and why America needs the moral backbone that Christian virtues once provided. Rauch—Jewish, gay, and secular—argues that courage, equality, and forgiveness are essential civic values we’re losing. They talk fear, demagogues, pseudo-religions, and how a more humble, and forbearing approach could help save both faith and democracy. Plus, a look at aging and purpose from The Happiness Curve. Listen now on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.