244. TNE TALKS: Our Unique Moment In American Democracy // Sharon McMahon

Summary Sharon McMahon discusses her background. She emphasizes the importance of pluralism and focusing on behaviors rather than beliefs. She shares her passion for government and history, as well as the process of writing her book The Small and the Mighty.  Takeaways Engaging with different perspectives can be challenging but is essential for personal growth and learning. Online harassment is a significant issue, with women and minorities often facing more severe threats and abuse. Christian nationalism is a threat to democracy, with some proponents advocating for authoritarianism and the exclusion of certain groups. Polarization in American politics is not new, but the current era is unique due to factors such as the internet and media fragmentation. The founding of America was not explicitly intended to be a Christian nation, and the principles of democracy should be prioritized over religious affiliation. When voting, it is important to consider a candidate's character, commitment to democratic principles, and long-term impact rather than focusing solely on specific policies. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background 03:00 Questioning Faith and Beliefs 06:04 Pluralism and Behaviors 09:56 Dealing with Misinformation and Fake Experts 14:56 Passion for Government and History 21:47 Challenges of Being a Content Creator 32:44 Engaging with Different Perspectives 35:38 The Meanest Group on the Internet 41:21 Polarization in American History 45:02 Christian Nationalism and its Impact 51:21 The Founding of America and Christian Influence 01:02:18 Critical Thinking in the Voting Process Connect with Sharon McMahon Check out our website for merch, educational materials, and how to join our community! If you'd like to support our work, you can DONATE here! Follow Us On Instagram @thenewevangelicals  Subscribe On YouTube The New Evangelicals exists to support those who are tired of how evangelical church has been done before and want to see an authentic faith lived out with Jesus at the center. We are committed to building a caring community that emulates the ways of Jesus by reclaiming the evangelical tradition and embracing values that build a better way forward. If you’ve been marginalized by your faith, you are welcome here. We’ve built an empathetic and inclusive space that encourages authentic conversations, connections and faith. Whether you consider yourself a Christian, an exvangelical, someone who's questioning your faith, or someone who's left the faith entirely, you are welcome here! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices