The latest episode of The State of Belief features the esteemed historian and author, Rev. Dr. Randall Balmer. With host Rev. Paul Brandeis Raushenbush, he goes in-depth with his latest book, America’s Best Idea: The Separation of Church and State, and explores the critical importance of this principle in today’s America. Here are three key takeaways:
The Historical Roots of Separation: Randall emphasizes that the concept of separation of Church and State is not just a recent source of concern, but a foundational principle rooted in the diverse religious landscape of early America. The Founding Fathers, aware of the religious conflicts in Europe, sought to create a nation where no single religion would dominate.
The Threat of Majoritarianism: One of the most striking points Randall makes is the current Supreme Court’s tendency to favor majoritarianism, particularly in matters of religion. He argues that the court’s decisions often reflect the beliefs of a Christian majority, sidelining the rights of minority faiths and non-religious individuals.
The Call for Courage and Hope: In a time when religious freedom is under attack, Randall encourages us all to embrace small acts of resistance and to remain hopeful. He reminds us that courage can manifest in various forms, from participating in rallies to engaging in meaningful conversations about faith and democracy.
It’s an enlightening conversation with Dr. Balmer, as we navigate the complexities of faith, politics, and the future of our democracy. Together, we explore how we can uphold the separation of Church and State and ensure that all voices are heard in our society.
More about Randall Balmer
A prize-winning historian and Emmy Award nominee, a New York Times best-selling author, Randall Balmer holds the John Phillips Chair in Religion at Dartmouth, the oldest endowed professorship at Dartmouth College. He’s also an Episcopal priest, and as early as 1989, he was publishing books like Mine Eyes Have Seen the Glory: A Journey into Evangelical Subculture in America, and Thy Kingdom Come: How the Religious Right Distorts Faith and Threatens America. Most recently, Dr. Balmer published America’s Best Idea: The Separation of Church and State, addressing some of the most foundational and endangered principles of our history and national identity.
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