Bruni Argues America Suffering from 'Cultural Sickness'

Theologian Rowan Williams says faith should 'enlarge and enrich' our lives, not sharpen divisions.

Published on Mar. 8, 2026

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In his 2024 book 'The Age of Grievance', Frank Bruni argues that America is suffering from a cultural sickness marked by anger, acrimony, and indignance. Data shows record highs in division, declining national pride, and a youth mental health crisis. Theologian Rowan Williams says the Christian faith should 'enlarge and enrich' people's lives, rather than sharpen divisions, and allow them to find peace and redemption within.

Why it matters

Bruni's assessment of America's cultural divisions aligns with broader trends of rising polarization, declining trust in institutions, and a mental health crisis, particularly among young people. As a prominent voice, Bruni's perspective on the root causes and potential solutions to these issues is significant.

The details

Bruni cites data showing 80% of adults believe Americans are divided on core values, national pride and trust in government are near record lows, and affective polarization is at an all-time high. Depression rates have doubled for adults under 30 since 2017, and suicide rates have increased 37% since 2000. Theologian Rowan Williams argues the Christian faith should 'enlarge and enrich' people's lives, rather than sharpen divisions, and allow them to find peace and redemption.

  • Bruni published 'The Age of Grievance' in 2024.
  • The data cited is from recent years, up to 2023.

The players

Frank Bruni

An American journalist and op-ed columnist for The New York Times.

Rowan Williams

A Welsh Anglican bishop, theologian, and philosopher who served as the 104th Archbishop of Canterbury from 2002 to 2012.

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What they’re saying

“The world would be less exciting without my faith.”

— Rowan Williams, Theologian (The Atlantic)

“That sense of the enrichment just around the corner of your vision, the perspective of that eternally overflowing source of love and mercy and how that lights up everything.”

— Rowan Williams, Theologian (The Atlantic)

The takeaway

Bruni's assessment of America's 'cultural sickness' highlights the need for greater unity, empathy, and a rediscovery of the unifying and enriching potential of faith, as advocated by theologian Rowan Williams, to help heal the country's deep divisions.