This week, Ruth Graham, a National Reporter covering Religion, Faith, and Values for The New York Times, sits down for a thought-provoking discussion with Rev. Paul Brandeis Raushenbush.
Their conversation delves deep into the complex interplay between religion and politics in the U.S., especially in light of recent political shifts and evolving faith landscapes.
They tackle pressing issues, including the rise of religious nationalism, changes in religious affiliations, and how political currents are reshaping religious practices.
Insights on Contemporary Christianity
Ruth draws from her recent work at The New York Times, where she’s examined various figures and trends within contemporary Christianity.
Among her notable articles is an exploration of Pete Hegseth’s call for what he refers to as a new Christian crusade.
She also highlights the intriguing statistic that American young men are generally more religious than their female peers, and offers insights into the demographics and perspectives of the new generation of Catholic priests, who tend to be younger, more assured, and conservative in their beliefs.
The Challenges of Covering Religion
Throughout their talk, Ruth underscores the challenges of covering religion.
She articulates the struggle to accurately portray the diverse and constantly changing landscape of faith in America.
She shares her own journey of approaching these narratives with empathy and a commitment to understanding the complexities involved.
Political Shifts and the Future of American Christianity
Ruth points to Donald Trump’s re-emergence as a critical turning point in American politics, noting its significant impact on the consolidation of Christian influence, particularly among men.
She is particularly interested in how Trump’s role is redefining the Christian community in the country.
An emerging trend among conservative pastors is their push for greater involvement in political and cultural debates from the pulpit.
This shift could have profound implications for the future direction of the American Church, potentially shaping its evolution for decades.
Hailing from Dallas, Ruth Graham brings a wealth of experience to her position at The New York Times and has garnered accolades from the Religion News Association and the American Academy of Religion.
Her 2024 contributions reflect a spectrum of important themes at the intersection of faith and politics, including aspects of the new Christian crusade, gender dynamics in religious participation, and a provocative examination of changing attitudes within the Christian populace.
Source: Religionnews
