Do the Culture Wars Really Represent America?
A sign protests H.B. 2, a North Carolina law governing which restrooms transgender people can use
https://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2017/04/gorski-civil-religion/521751/
A new book argues that the country needs to reclaim the vital center of politics.
EMMA GREEN
6:01 AM ET
Depending on who youre talking to, the story of Americas founding may be told very differently. Some liberals might describe a nation animated by secular Enlightenment values, where freedom from religion is just as important as freedom of religion. And some conservatives might point to the countrys so-called Judeo-Christian heritage, with the Bible as its foundational text.
Both of these stories are wrong, according to Phil Gorski, a professor of sociology and religious studies at Yale. In his new book,
American Covenant, Gorski argues that these opposing stories are the basis of the culture wars: Theyve made it difficult for people to believe they can still share civic values even if they dont share other beliefs.
Depending on who youre talking to, the story of Americas founding may be told very differently. Some liberals might describe a nation animated by secular Enlightenment values, where freedom from religion is just as important as freedom of religion. And some conservatives might point to the countrys so-called Judeo-Christian heritage, with the Bible as its foundational text.
Both of these stories are wrong, according to Phil Gorski, a professor of sociology and religious studies at Yale. In his new book, American Covenant, Gorski argues that these opposing stories are the basis of the culture wars: Theyve made it difficult for people to believe they can still share civic values even if they dont share other beliefs.
https://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2017/04/gorski-civil-religion/521751/
Interview with Prof. Gorski at link.