Earlier this year, Wheatley Institute hosted journalist and author Jonathan Rauch for a lecture about his book Cross Purposes: Christianity's Broken Bargain with Democracy.
In his lecture, Rauch identifies Christianity as a vital force in American politics for social cohesion, charity, and tolerance, calling for Christians' religious values of love and respect for all to shine in not just their personal lives, but their civic engagement as well. He cites the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints as an example of a religion that encourages its members to engage in a Christlike way in civic issues, referencing President Dallin H. Oaks' speech at the University of Virginia about the topic.
Since Rauch's visit to BYU, his remarks have sparked discussion in the Latter-Day Saint community on the tension between commitment to Christian values and democratic compromise.
BYU Political Science Professor Ralph Hancock published a 2-part essay in Public Discourse criticizing Rauch's view on Christianity, arguing that the spirit of compromise Rauch promotes fundamentally undermines Christian values.
In response, fellow BYU Political Science Professor Kelly D. Patterson wrote a defense of Rauch's reasoning for Public Square Magazine, arguing that love and respect for others is a Christian responsibility, and compromise is a part of that obligation.
Read or Listen to Jonathan Rauch's lecture