Beyond Bowling Alone: Finding Community in an Isolated Age

The Russell Moore Show

Christianity Today, Russell Moore

Religion & Spirituality, Christianity

4.8 • 914 Ratings

🗓️ 19 February 2025

⏱️ 41 minutes

🔗️ Recording | iTunes | RSS

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Summary

“ Precisely what brings you into communion with the church is not sitting—no matter how good the sermon is—it’s not sitting in an auditorium with 3,000 people,” says Robert Putnam. “It’s connecting with other cobelievers in a small group.” Robert Putnam, political scientist and author of the cultural phenomenon Bowling Alone, joins Russell Moore to talk about social shifts in how we gather with—and separate from—one another. Putnam and Moore talk about religion, partisanship, and social shifts such as delayed marriage. Their conversation covers loneliness, the increasing number of people who do not identify with any religion, and politicization. Moore and Putnam consider the importance of coming together, explore the history of communities in America, and encourage listeners with practical steps for cultivating fellowship. Resources mentioned in this episode or recommended by the guest include: Making Democracy Work: Civic Traditions in Modern Italy by Robert D. Putnam Bowling Alone: The Collapse and Revival of American Community by Robert D. Putnam Our Kids: The American Dream in Crisis by Robert D. Putnam Join or Die “If You Want to Destroy My Sweater, Hold This Thread as I Walk Away” Christian Smith The Four Loves by C. S. Lewis Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcript

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0:00.0	This is a paid message from WCC Products.
0:03.0	Since 1983, WCC Products has enhanced the sacred experience of communion
0:09.0	by providing high-quality, convenient communion.
0:12.0	We are dedicated to serving religious communities worldwide, fostering unity and spiritual growth.
0:19.0	With the acquisition of Christian Wolf, WCC reverently carries on the
0:24.9	150-year tradition of baking wafers and bread. Through our commitment to excellence, we aim to uplift the
0:32.6	traditions of faith, making the act of communion accessible to all.
0:48.4	Between 1991 and 1993, more than 12,000 cases of alleged satanic ritual abuse were reported to law enforcement across the country. In 1995, these cases were audited, and the FBI couldn't find a single link to cult activity.
1:00.5	I'm Mike Cosper. I'm bringing a new limited series called Devil in the Deep Blue Sea.
1:07.4	Join us for season one as we unravel the tangled legacy of the satanic panic that gripped America in the 80s and 90s.
1:15.0	We'll explore how this hysteria influenced notorious criminal cases like the West Memphis 3,
1:21.4	and it catapulted the political agenda of the moral majority.
1:27.2	Devil in the Deep Blue Sea is out now,
1:29.9	wherever you get your podcast. You'll remember that I am.
1:49.0	Precisely what brings you into communion with the church is not sitting, no matter how good the sermon is, it's not sitting in an auditorium with 3,000 people.
1:56.9	It's connecting with other co-believers in a small group.
1:59.9	Music It's connecting with other co-believers in a small group.
2:15.0	Hello, this is Russell Moore, and you're listening to the Russellmore show,
2:16.9	brought to you by Christianity today.
2:18.0	Every week, we explore here conversations and questions from a Christian perspective to help you sort out
2:24.2	how to live as a follower of Jesus in confusing times. This week, we have a conversation to seek to do
2:31.7	just that.
	...

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