Responsibility and Religion – Econlib

In the latest episode of EconTalk, Russ Roberts and Jonathan Rauch delve into the pivotal role that genuine religion plays within liberal democracy, both as a tool and a guiding light. In his thought-provoking new book, Cross Purposes: Christianity’s Broken Bargain with Democracy, Rauch argues that the erosion of Christianity’s influence has compelled Americans to reframe politics as a “pseudo-religion.” Rather than drawing from the Protestant Christian ethos that laid the foundations of America, both the Left and Right have substituted authentic faith with their own radical partisan ideologies. These secular alternatives, devoid of genuine spiritual depth, fail to provide the essential values and community required for the thriving of liberal democracy, a failure that is increasingly evident in the nation’s growing ungovernability and radical tendencies.

In his quest to mend the frayed fabric of the nation, Rauch urges Christians to reconnect with their faith and embody its teachings more fully. He notes that the founding fathers were acutely aware of liberal democracy’s limitations in fulfilling humanity’s fundamental need for meaning and community. Consequently, they forged an implicit agreement with Christianity to sustain the republican virtues necessary for American democracy. However, this bargain has unraveled, leaving the liberal institutions it was meant to support struggling and adrift.

Rauch acknowledges that the decline of Christianity is a complex issue with multiple causes, yet his book scrutinizes the unfortunate choices made by Christians that have led to our current predicament. To elucidate this, he categorizes Christianity into three distinct types: thin, sharp, and thick.

Thin Christianity describes the secularization of mainstream ecumenical churches, which have shed their once-vibrant counter-cultural essence, merging instead into the prevailing secular culture. By failing to “export values into society,” these churches have absorbed secular ideologies into their diluted theologies, rendering them culturally irrelevant. Rather than maintaining their distinctiveness, they risk blending into the background, losing both appeal and influence.

Sharp Christianity, on the other hand, refers to the evangelical church’s alignment with partisan politics, particularly the Republican party. In their quest for power, they have embraced Donald Trump’s promises, overlooking the significance of moral integrity in politics. Their rallying cry has become one of aggression—“fight! fight! fight!”—which not only contradicts the teachings of Jesus but also alienates those who might be drawn to his message, thus transforming into a faction of right-wing radicals.

The final category, thick Christianity, represents the type of faith that addresses life’s existential questions and fortifies liberal democracy, reflecting the ideals the founders envisioned while remaining true to Jesus’s teachings. Rauch outlines three fundamental principles that encapsulate this vision, each carrying significant implications for secular society.

The first principle, “do not fear,” emphasizes a deep trust in God, assuring believers that all will ultimately be well. In a political landscape rife with fearmongering from both sides, this hopeful outlook serves as a counterbalance, reminding that losing an election is not the apocalypse. The second principle, “to imitate Jesus,” advocates for the protection of marginalized groups and the inherent dignity of every person as an image bearer of God. These biblical tenets align closely with the foundational principles embedded in the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution. Lastly, the third principle of forgiveness underscores that vengeance belongs to God, prompting us to extend grace and mercy rather than seeking retribution. This mindset is essential for a liberal democracy that thrives on toleration, pluralism, and forbearance, rather than the tyranny of a dominant political faction. Together, these principles form the bedrock of a cohesive society and offer a remedy for the current malaise. The Christianity that adheres to these values has the potential to support and revitalize American democracy in the spirit of the meaningful community that Alexis de Tocqueville once celebrated.

In conclusion, Rauch challenges Roberts and the audience to recognize the societal significance of Christianity. Rather than dismissing or opposing it, non-Christians should appreciate the foundational role of Jesus’s teachings in fostering a stable and liberal society. People of faith should not be marginalized but embraced as vital contributors to the social fabric. Rauch shares his own transformative journey from skepticism to understanding the indispensable role Christianity plays in American life. While it may not be impossible to maintain a liberal democracy without it, the reality remains that Christianity is integral to its preservation and flourishing.

Some questions for discussion:

–       What distinguishes a true religion from a pseudo-religion? 

–       Why can liberal democracy not provide existential meaning? Can any political system? Why or why not? 

–       Can any other religion support liberal democracy? If so, which ones can and what distinguishes them from those that cannot?