Miller Center Event Explores Role of Christianity in Democracy - Faith & Freedom News

The Miller Center recently hosted an engaging conversation titled “Exploring Democracy and Christianity,” featuring author and journalist Jonathan Rauch, whose latest book Cross Purposes: Christianity’s Broken Bargain with Democracy serves as the centerpiece of the discussion. Moderated by John Owen, a senior fellow at the Miller Center, the event brought together a panel that included Associate Professor of Politics Colin Bird and Professor of Religious Studies Laurie Maffly-Kipp.

Unpacking a Troubled Relationship

Rauch, who is also a contributing writer at The Atlantic and a senior fellow at the Brookings Institution, argued that a thriving democracy fundamentally depends on religion—particularly Evangelical Christianity—as a source of moral and cultural guidance. According to Rauch, Christianity is meant to provide a moral foundation that stands apart from the volatile influences of contemporary politics and culture. However, he contends that in recent decades, this ideal has been undermined by a pervasive merging of religion with political and cultural forces.

“[The white Evangelical Church’s] composition changes as the members and message become more politicized and that, in turn, means that we begin to import religious zeal into our politics, and we begin to import politics into religion,” Rauch said. “America is becoming ungovernable because Christianity is failing.”

The Broken Bargain

Central to Rauch’s thesis is the notion that while democracy and robust religious practice are interdependent, the current state of American Christianity—characterized by a growing politicization—has weakened both the Church and the democratic fabric of society. He emphasized that religion should act as a counterbalance, offering citizens an enduring moral framework to look beyond immediate self-interest and electoral gains. For Rauch, the teachings of Jesus Christ embody three core values—courage, imitation of Christ’s life, and forgiveness—that align closely with liberal democratic principles.

Despite his outsider status as a gay, religious atheist with Jewish heritage, Rauch admitted that he once dismissed Christianity as “bigoted” but later regretted his oversight, describing faith as an invaluable gift. “Ignoring [religion], I think, was the biggest intellectual mistake of my career,” he reflected.

Broader Implications for Society

Panelist Colin Bird acknowledged Rauch’s critique, noting that the blending of Christianity with cultural trends has indeed led to a corruption of its intended role. However, Bird also challenged whether this phenomenon is unique to religion, drawing parallels with similar trends in journalism, corporate responsibility, and political parties. Bird suggested that these sectors, too, have abandoned their core ideals in favor of a culture driven by fear, competitiveness, and superficiality.

In contrast, Professor Laurie Maffly-Kipp, initially skeptical of Rauch’s arguments, ultimately lent support to his call for greater religious literacy. She proposed that academic institutions, including public universities, integrate the study of religion into their curricula to foster a more informed citizenry. Maffly-Kipp also pointed out that while Rauch’s focus was predominantly on white, Protestant Christianity, many other religious traditions—ranging from African American Protestant churches to Jewish sociological insights—offer rich resources for social teaching.

A Call for Renewal

Rauch maintained that the crisis afflicting American democracy is uniquely tied to the radical politicization of the white Evangelical Church. He argued that while other religious groups remain influential in their own right, they have not contributed as directly to the erosion of democratic principles. Drawing attention to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Rauch highlighted how its active practice of moral values through negotiation, patience, and mutual accommodation stands as a positive example of religious commitment in the public sphere.

Concluding his remarks, Rauch stressed the need for society to address the “big questions” of life—questions that religion, particularly Christianity, is uniquely equipped to answer. “We need to take theology seriously,” he asserted. “I believe firmly in separation of church and state … but we’re too ignorant about religion and we do need to teach it more. There is lots that we can do to make the country more welcoming of faith in general and Christianity in particular.”

The event underscored the Miller Center’s ongoing mission to inspire future political leaders with critical insights into the interplay between faith, politics, and the public good. As debates over the role of religion in democracy continue to evolve, voices like Rauch’s invite both introspection and a renewed commitment to a moral framework that can guide the nation forward.