#64 Ray Pennings: Religion in the Public Square. Study of Canada-US religiosity

Want to be active in the public square? Join the symphony. Get involved in what you love. Be public about your pursuit of the true, the good, and the beautiful.

Ray Pennings has spent his life building a winsome and articulate defence of religion in the pubic square. It is not weird to admit we have religious beliefs (including non belief); it's weird to pretend we do not have them.

Canada and USA differ with respect to our approach to religion in the public square. We discuss the latest research from Cardus: a very large survey of over 10,000 people (5,001 in each country) on religiosity. It goes far beyond anything Stats Canada offers.

Boomers continue to keep religion out of the public square and polite conversation. Gen Z increasingly does the opposite. Canada and USA are in the midst of a generational change in social thought and politics.

Links:

Cardus 

How Canada-US religious differences affect politics 

AI Summary:

Join host Shawn Whatley as he sits down with Ray Pennings, co-founder and executive VP of the Think Tank Cardus, to discuss the role of religion in the public square. They delve into the findings of a recent study comparing Canadian and American religiosity, explore the perceived hostility towards religious commitment in Canada, and discuss the broader implications for society. Tune in for an articulate and nuanced discussion on civic engagement, the intersection of faith and politics, and the importance of maintaining hope and authenticity in public life.

00:00 Introduction: Religion in the Public Square

00:36 Meet Ray Pennings: Co-Founder of Cardus

00:54 Study Insights: Comparing American and Canadian Religiosity

01:20 Separation of Church and State: A Deep Dive

02:20 Charitable Giving and Volunteer Work

02:42 Press Release Highlights: Provocative Findings

03:14 Survey Methodology and Key Findings

08:07 Historical Context: Religion and Politics in North America

15:46 Religious Demographics and Trends

25:36 Political Implications of Religious Demographics

31:46 Political Party Dynamics in Canada

32:18 Faith in Public Life: A Complex Landscape

33:20 Historical Influence of Religion in Canadian Politics

34:09 The NDP and Social Gospel Movement

35:14 Tommy Douglas and Fiscal Conservatism

36:15 Christianity and Political Spectrum in Canada

37:40 Separation of Church and State: Risks and Realities

40:43 Principled Pluralism and Religious Freedom

42:05 Institutional Roles and Public Life

45:24 Core Beliefs and Public Engagement

48:36 Survey Insights and Public Perception

01:02:39 Final Thoughts and Summary