On this episode of Give and Take, I talk with Lauren Jackson, writer of The Believing Project at The New York Times. Lauren explores the strange, beautiful, and sometimes baffling terrain of American religious life—what we believe, why we believe it, and how belief shapes the way we live. We talk about the origin of her project, the state of faith in an increasingly secular age, and why the stories we tell about belief might be more important than ever. From revival tents to deconstruction TikToks, Lauren brings a literary and deeply curious lens to the spiritual landscape. It’s a conversation about belief, doubt, devotion, and the stories that make us.

In this conversation, Lauren shares her experiences growing up in the Mormon Church in Arkansas, exploring the complexities of faith, identity, and the search for meaning in a secular world. She discusses the challenges of navigating religious beliefs in modern society, the role of religion in politics, and the cultural shifts surrounding spirituality. Lauren reflects on her personal journey, the longing for connection, and the importance of understanding diverse belief systems in today's world.

Takeaways

• Lauren grew up in the Mormon Church in Arkansas, which shaped her worldview.
• She describes a strong sense of identity and community within her faith.
• The concept of cosmology in the LDS Church offers a unique perspective on eternity.
• Lauren explores the crisis of belief in modern society and the search for meaning.
• She discusses the stagnation of secularization and the rise of alternative spiritual practices.
• The role of religion in politics is significant, especially in the context of the right's embrace of faith.
• Cultural Christianity is becoming a part of conservative identity in the U.S.
• Navigating religious identity in college posed challenges for Lauren.
• The power of belief is crucial in political movements and community building.
• Lauren expresses a longing for connection and understanding in her spiritual journey.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Personal Background
02:59 Growing Up Mormon in Arkansas
05:52 The Concept of Cosmology in Faith
08:39 Crisis of Belief in Modern Society
11:34 Exploring Secularization and Spiritual Alternatives
14:37 The Role of Religion in Providing Meaning
17:35 Cultural Christianity and Its Resurgence
20:45 Navigating Faith and Identity in College
23:24 The Right's Embrace of Religion and Belief
27:29 The Collision of Digital Forces and Governance
29:17 The Power of Belief in Politics
30:52. Understanding Religious Rhetoric in Political Messaging
33:49 Emotive Decision Making in Politics
36:02 Engaging with Celebrity Voices in Spirituality
39:56 The Role of Religion in Journalism
45:46 Personal Spiritual Longing and Identity
49:01 Navigating Relationships as a Public Ex-Mormon

Special Guest: Lauren Jackson.