Writing 

 Christianity, Pluralism, and Public Life in the United States: Insights from Christian Leaders

The Trinity Forum is pleased to introduce a new report authored by Trinity Forum Senior Fellow Michael Wear and Wheaton College professor Amy Black, and made possible by a grant from the Democracy Fund. This report explores the consequences and implications of current cultural trends through the perspective of Christian church and ministry leaders in America. Its findings are based on in-depth interviews with more than 50 Christian leaders from a variety of denominations, traditions, locales, and political and theological perspectives. The findings show sharp political divides between groups, but also reveal a broad consensus around the value of pluralism in America, and the opportunities it brings for Christians to live out their faith, and contribute to the common good and formation of civic character. The resounding message of the report is that Christian thought and practice has much to offer America in this new pluralistic moment.

Evangelicals and Interfaith Engagement

In an increasingly pluralistic nation, sustained cooperation across difference is essential. In 2020, the Democracy Fund supported a report I co-authored (along with Professor Amy Black) on “Christianity, Pluralism and Public Life in the United States.” That report was based on more than fifty interviews with a diverse array of Christian leaders across the country, and it explored many of the ways Christians encounter, navigate, and in some ways represent and embody themselves, pluralism in America. We found that Christianity has many resources not just to stave off antagonistic division, but to support community, service and understanding between diverse people. We argued that those resources should be recognized and welcomed. In this report for Interfaith Youth Core, the focus is more particular: evangelicals and interfaith engagement. This report draws on three listening sessions: one with students affiliated with the Anselm House at the University of Minnesota; a listening session with members of a Southern Baptist Church in Texas; and a listening session with evangelical pastors and leaders.

Michael writes analytical and personal essays on faith, politics and family for some of the nations leading publications. Here are some highlights: