The McCourtney Institute for Democracy is partnering with the Religious Studies program for a book club discussion on Why Religion Is Good for American Democracy by Robert Wuthnow.

In the book, Wuthnow makes his case by moving beyond the focus on unifying values or narratives about culture wars and elections. Rather, he demonstrates that the beneficial contributions of religion are best understood through the lens of religious diversity. The religious composition of the United States comprises many groups, organizations, and individuals that vigorously, and sometimes aggressively, contend for what they believe to be good and true. Unwelcome as this contention can be, it is rarely extremist, violent, or autocratic. Instead, it brings alternative and innovative perspectives to the table, forcing debates about what it means to be a democracy.

Free copies of the book are available for those who attend the discussion. To obtain a copy of the book and register for the event, contact Jake Nabel at jnabel@psu.edu.