How God Works: The Science Behind Spirituality Uniter or Divider? Explore Religion in Modern America. A How God Works Live Event (From the Archive)
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Feb 22, 2026 
Diana Butler Bass, Christian historian who studies contemporary faith movements. Angela Buchdahl, Central Synagogue rabbi known for interfaith leadership. Simran Jeet Singh, Sikh public intellectual promoting pluralism. Kurt Gray, psychologist studying moral cognition. They discuss rising anti‑Semitism and Christian nationalism, 9/11’s impact on Sikh identity, how rituals and threat shape morality, and practical ways congregations build bridges.
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Demographics Drive Religious Backlash
- Diana Butler Bass attributes rising Christian nationalism largely to demographic fear about a less white, less Christian future.
- That fear motivates some Christians to cling to cultural power and resist pluralism.
Threat Makes God Look Sterner
- Perceptions of threat reshape moral judgment and even people's image of God toward a sterner, punitive deity.
- Individuals then selectively cite aggressive scriptures to justify hostility or violence.
Church Chose Vengeance Over Prayer
- Diana Butler Bass recounted her Episcopal church nearly splitting after 9/11 when some members rejected praying for the attackers.
- The congregation instead embraced patriotic, vengeful language showing how threat can override teachings to love enemies.