Matthew Kaemingk and Shadi Hamid argue in their new book, Can Religion Save Democracy?, that our fractious democracy would benefit from a good dose of religion. The more well-intentioned people of faith, they suggest, the more likely it is that we’ll be able to advance the common interest. They suggest that society and governance will both benefit as a result.

Kaemingk and Hamid are authors and academics, and Hamid is also a Washington Post columnist. Hamid is a friend of mine. And while we share very different political views on a range of issues, he has always valued vigorous but respectful debate. Kaemingk, whom I met at an event for the book last week, plainly shares that passion for genuine discourse.