Critique: The work 'Cross Purposes: Christianity's Disrupted Pact with Democracy' by Jonathan Rauch
In the heart of modern American society, the lines between religion and politics have become increasingly blurred. A new book, "Cross Purposes: Christianity's Broken Bargain With Democracy," sheds light on this intricate relationship, using the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as an example of the diverse approaches Christian groups take to navigate religious politics.
The book argues that a vocal brand of evangelical conservatism is veering away from the theological precepts of Christianity, favouring right-wing hyper-partisanship instead. This errant and damaging strain, termed 'Sharp Christianity,' is described as divisive, fearful, partisan, and un-Christlike.
The solution, as proposed by the book, involves renewing spiritual formation, reinvigorating 'civic theology,' and pursuing compromise through negotiation. The book also calls on moderate Christians to re-engage with the teachings of Jesus and laments that many seem to have strayed from the message of the New Testament.
The book delves into the contemporary manifestations of a more fundamental problem that has shaped the religious culture of Protestantism since its emergence in the 16th century. It identifies 'anger' and 'anxiety' as integral emotional currents underlying 'unbelief,' arguing that these emotions have contributed to the destabilization of religious truth.
The emotional experience of religion plays a significant role in the book's argument, particularly the idea of 'Sharp Christianity' or the 'Church of Fear.' This movement is fueled by fear, apocalyptic thinking, and polarization, according to the book.
The book also acknowledges the influential role of freethought in American history. However, it suggests that the shift towards 'Sharp Christianity' is not due to liberalism's emphasis on the individual or secularism's impact on religious expression.
Legally, churches in the U.S. are allowed to discuss electoral politics internally "through the lens of religious faith" without it being considered unlawful electioneering under IRS rules. This reality reflects the practical overlap between religious observance and political discourse.
The implications for religion and liberal democracy are significant. Cases like the Supreme Court's Dobbs decision illustrate how religiously motivated laws can undermine the constitutional separation of church and state and threaten religious freedom for non-adherents and secular citizens. This fusion risks privileging one religious viewpoint in lawmaking, diminishing pluralism, and challenging the foundational democratic principle of religious neutrality in government.
The American experience shows increasing political empowerment of religious conservatives amidst broader social secularization, which intensifies political debates stemming from religious contexts like church attendance. This dynamic raises ongoing tensions in safeguarding both free religious expression and liberal democratic ideals of equal citizenship and separation of church and state.
The book offers a defense of secular liberal democracy as the best framework for practicing one's faith without interference or oppression. It also suggests that proponents of secular liberalism might benefit from reaffirming religious freedom, advocating for the vitality of Christian institutions, and engaging inclusively with Christian perspectives on culture, morality, and philosophy.
In a cultural context, discussions about attending church often lead to debates about politics in the United States, as religion, especially evangelical Christianity, has become deeply intertwined with political identities and party alignments. The Republican Party has been significantly shaped by evangelical and conservative Christian influence, which has grown stronger even as American society has become more secular overall.
The third season of The White Lotus features a conversation between three women about religion, during which one mentions attending church every Sunday in Austin, Texas. The discussion reveals that one may be more conservative than assumed, leading to a subtly tense exchange.
In conclusion, the complex relationship between religion and politics in the United States is a topic of ongoing debate and concern. The book "Cross Purposes: Christianity's Broken Bargain With Democracy" provides valuable insights into this relationship, offering potential solutions for navigating this intricate landscape while upholding the principles of free religious expression and liberal democratic ideals.
- The book "Cross Purposes: Christianity's Broken Bargain With Democracy" identifies 'anger' and 'anxiety' as integral emotional currents underlying 'unbelief,' suggesting that these emotions have contributed to the destabilization of religious truth.
- In contrast to the vocal brand of evangelical conservatism veering away from theological precepts of Christianity, the book advocates for renewing spiritual formation, reinvigorating 'civic theology,' and pursuing compromise through negotiation.
- The book also acknowledges the influential role of freethought in American history but maintains that the shift towards 'Sharp Christianity' is not primarily due to liberalism's emphasis on the individual or secularism's impact on religious expression.
- The implications for religion and liberal democracy are significant, as the fusion of church and state risks privileging one religious viewpoint in lawmaking, challenging the foundational democratic principle of religious neutrality in government, and undermining the constitutional separation of church and state.
