Is America Entering a New Secular Age?
Rapid growth of secular identities and beliefs in America is transforming the religious and political landscape. “Secular Surge: A New Fault Line in American Politics” (Cambridge University Press, 2021) documents the rise of the country’s largest “religious” group and its distinctive set of beliefs and preferences. The authors investigate the political causes and consequences of this secular surge, drawing on unique survey data, including interviews with members of the American Humanist Association.
After a brief presentation, AEI’s Daniel A. Cox will moderate a discussion with the book’s authors — David Campbell, Geoffrey C. Layman, and John C. Green — AEI’s Ross Douthat, and Michelle Boorstein of The Washington Post to explore what the growing secular perspective means for the future of American religion and politics.
LIVE Q&A: Submit questions to Dana.Popky@aei.org or on Twitter with #SecularSurge.
Agenda
1:00 PM
Introduction and opening remarks:
Daniel A. Cox, Director, Survey Center on American Life, AEI
1:10 PM
Presentation:
David Campbell, Packey J. Dee Professor of American Democracy, University of Notre Dame
John C. Green, Director Emeritus, Ray C. Bliss Institute of Applied Politics, University of Akron
Geoffrey C. Layman, Professor, University of Notre Dame
1:30 PM
Discussion
Participants:
Michelle Boorstein, Religion Reporter, The Washington Post
David Campbell, Packey J. Dee Professor of American Democracy, University of Notre Dame
Ross Douthat, Visiting Fellow, AEI
John C. Green, Director Emeritus, Ray C. Bliss Institute of Applied Politics, University of Akron
Geoffrey C. Layman, Professor, University of Notre Dame
Moderator:
Daniel A. Cox, Director, Survey Center on American Life, AEI
2:00 PM
Q&A
2:15 PM
Adjournment