Is God dead in America? Can a free society be a secular one? Why does religion still play a powerful role in daily life despite the advent of the modern state?
To answer these questions and more, Ethan Yang sits down with AIER Visiting Scholar and Professor of Political Science at the University of Washington, Tony Gill. Tony is the author of numerous academic papers exploring the resilience and role of religion in political and economic life. The discussion explores the technical functions of faith in society and how it plays into solving collective action problems.
This conversation is especially timely today as religiosity declines in many Western countries, and critical discussions on longstanding institutions, such as religion, are widespread.
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https://open.spotify.com/show/25DwI0i...
** Please note that the opinions expressed in this podcast are solely those of the host and his guests. They do not necessarily reflect the views of the American Institute for Economic Research. The content presented in this show is intended for educational purposes only, and should not be considered as financial advice. **
1:52 Why is Religion Still Relevant
7:15 What Services Do Religions Provide
10:00 Religion and Economic Growth
12:30 Religion as Local Governance
18:39 Buchanan, the Role of the Supernatural, and the State
23:40 Why Religion Lasts Longer than the State
27:00 The Importance of the Separation of Church and State
29:10 Is Society Too Godless
35:30 Does Modernity Lead to Secularism
37:09 Religion and a Free Society