Michael Wear on what Christianity has to offer democracy in America

The intermingling of Christianity and democracy in America has long been a source of controversy. Many see the blending of faith and politics as harmful to one or the other – or both. What, if anything, does Christianity have to offer democracy, and vice versa?On this episode of The Art of Association, host Daniel Stid takes up these questions with Michael Wear, founder and executive director of the Center for Christianity and Public Life. They trace Michael’s leadership journey at the intersection of faith and politics, explore why he founded the Center and how it pursues its mission, and consider the relationship between the health of Christianity and the health of democracy in America. They also discuss the central theme of Michael’s book, The Spirit of Our Politics, namely the need for Christians to focus much more on how they show up in public life. Related ResourcesMichael’s book: The Spirit of Our Politics: Spiritual Formation and the Renovation of Our Public Life.CCPL’s Annual Summit, October 5-7, 2026: Civic Renewal for America’s Next 250.The application page for CCPL’s 2027 Public Life Fellowship cohort (applications close on October 18, 2026).