This is a moment when liberal democracy around the world is so deeply threatened by unexpected religious and ethnic conflict. It is our obligation as citizens, whether religious or secular, to understand how this can be occurring at this point in history and to stake a claim in defending democracy. In response, a new prize-winning analysis Faith, Nationalism, and the Future of Liberal Democracy by David Elcott comes to offer a cogent exploration of the ways religious identity fuels illiberal nationalist and populist democracy across the globe, from the United States to Israel, from India to Indonesia.

Date & Time
May 28, 2026, 7 – 8:30 PM

Location
The Firehouse, a private space for community gatherings sponsored by Anne Germanacos

Meet the Author
Professor Elcott, a powerful analyst who has taught in Jewish communities across North America and interfaith and political settings around the world, allows us to better understand the revolts against a political, social and economic order that values democracy in a global and strikingly diverse world, while encouraging people of faith to promote foundational support for the institutions and values of the democratic enterprise from within their own religious traditions, standing against the hostility and cruelty that historically have resulted when religious zealotry and state power combine.

Reviews of Faith, Nationalism and the Future of Liberal Democracy

 A timely, constructive, and empirically grounded exploration of the tensions among religion, identity, and liberal democracy in the United States and around the world
— Robert D. Putnam, Author of Bowling Alone

The authors are forthright about the potential links between their religions and nationalist politics, and provide a convincing argument for how Protestantism, Catholicism, and Judaism can support liberal democracy.                                                          
— Michael Walzer, Author of The Paradox of Liberation

 An impassioned defense of the sane and sound form of religion that engender and protect democracy, human rights, and the love of neighbor
— Jim Winkler, President, National Council of Churches

Helps us recognize the striking patterns of dangerous nationalism… and presents us as readers and people of faith, to take action
— Jeannine Hill Fletcher, The Sin of White Supremacy

Elcott and his coauthors have come together across religions and cultural divides and exemplified a clear commitment to liberal democracy.  Their work challenges faith leaders and laypersons alike to do the same and join together across seemingly insurmountable boundaries to work towards a global emphasis on human rights and dignity for all people.
— Reading Religion

Elcott and his colleagues are professors and theologians who offer a broad perspective on how religious faith has been misused in the development of national identities. In rich, complex prose, the authors provide examples of how religion has been used for both good and evil in the development of nation states. Indeed, the authors are stark in highlighting the ways in which religious belief has been weaponized to promote intolerance and disenfranchisement. The authors also are quick to stress the importance and vitality of religion as a force for good. Writing with passion, Elcott and his colleagues call on faith communities around the world to embrace political engagement in their native countries and ardently advocate for democratic norms and institutions.                                         
— Timothy Walch, The Catholic Virginian