Life Examined
Politics, religion and the role of public discourse in our democracy.
Just weeks away from a historic election, what role will religion play in influencing the candidates and getting out the vote?
By Jonathan Bastian • • 51m ListenJust weeks away from a historic election, what role will religion play in influencing the candidates and getting out the vote? KCRW’s Jonathan Bastian talks with Randall Balmer, professor of religion at Dartmouth University and an episcopal priest who explains that the influence of religion in today’s political landscape is a relatively new phenomena in America’s history. Later we’ll ask two ministers whether leaders of faith should use their platforms to express their political points of view or should they stay silent?
In this episode
2 storiesHow politics and religion became intertwined in America
Religion and politics are two highly emotive subjects in today’s public discourse. Until relatively recently, leaders of faith championed social causes rather than exert their influence on a candidate or a party.
Read the story26 minHow Christian faith leaders are squaring climate activism with belief
As we get closer to the November 3 election, what role will religion play in influencing the candidates and getting out the vote? Should leaders of faith use their pulpit to influence a political agenda or should they stay quiet?
Read the story26 min
