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.

For an audio version, subscribe to the AIER Standard on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon, and wherever you get your podcasts.

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