Topic: Christian Smith

Sociologist Christian Smith argues in his new book that traditional religion has become "obsolete" in American culture, citing 1991 as a pivotal turning point following the Cold War. While Smith attributes the decline to shifting national identity and economic changes, critics point out that he omits the primary factor: the birth of the consumer internet. The discussion posits that the internet has effectively replaced traditional faith as the new central "religion" and cultural framework.

The hosts criticize the modern Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a "shit show," reminiscing about the untelevised industry dinners of the past. They play a clip of Christiane Amanpour asking former FBI Director James Comey if the government should have "shut down" the "Lock her up" chants as hate speech. They interpret the question as a reflection of a "globalist" desire to suppress political speech.

A clip from a British news program features a minister explaining why he considers Mormonism a "theological cult" rather than mainstream Christianity. He cites the Book of Mormon and Joseph Smith as departures from traditional doctrine. Despite these views, the minister states he would still vote for Mitt Romney over Barack Obama, whom he incorrectly labels a Muslim.