Download Religion`s Role in American Politics

Religion’s Role in American Politics
Sarah Uddin
Freshman,
Neuroscience & Religious Studies
N
ineteenth century theologian Paul
It states that economic inequality is com-
Tillich associated religion with
monly, and rather mistakenly, ascribed to
“ultimacy”—religion is that which is a
the failures of individuals themselves rather
person’s ultimate concern. Swiss psychia-
than to the economic and political failure of
trist Carl Gustav Jung elaborated upon
American society as a whole. Such a com-
this concept by defining religion as the
monly held perception, Bellah maintains,
“ultimate organizing principle of one’s
places primary importance on individual
personality.” As the demographics in an
struggle at the cost of social solidarity, thus
article entitled “The Ways of Worship” in
leading to a general decline in political par-
Mysteries of Faith: A U.S. News and World
ticipation. However, people must engage
Report Collector’s Edition suggest, the Unit-
themselves politically if social ills are to be
ed States is predominantly a religious na-
overcome and the establishment of com-
tion or, in other words, a nation of many
munity will provide the impetus for this.
religions. Therefore, religion, as defined by
This is the point at which religion plays a
the concept of “ultimacy,” has influenced,
role, both materially and symbolically. In
to a large extent, the political affairs of the
an individualistic society, one can find a
1
nation from its founding to the present.
sense of community at spiritual gatherings
Religion has been, or rather is being, em-
and this sense can serve to translate itself
ployed in addressing social ills and serves to
into “civic membership” when backed by
provide the ultimate frame of reference for
the concept of neighborly love often es-
most religiously committed politicians in
poused by religious doctrine.2 Adherence
formulating their perceptions of social and
to God’s command to serve others not
policy issues.
out of self-interest, but out of fraternity
The introduction to the updated edition
would be expressed in increased political
of Robert Bellah’s Habits of the Heart: In-
participation aimed at addressing social
dividualism and Commitment in American
and economic concerns. After providing
Life provides a rather sadistic description of
the impetus for increased political engage-
the concept of individualism in America.
ment, religion would thereafter provide the
18
Vol. I, Issue 1
moral framework upon which policy deci-
ten percent see it as excessive.5 Therefore,
sions are based. It is worth noting here that
perhaps Americans see the role of religion
the root of the word “religion” is “religare,”
in formulating public policy as providing
which literally means “to bind together.”
the necessary support of moral decisions or,
Religion, in the sense described in Habits,
rather, enforcement of moral decisions.
would serve to “bind” individuals together
However, the question many are currently
for a common sense of duty and to bind
posing is that in an increasingly diverse na-
religion to politics in America.
tion as America, can or should the Judeo-
Religion has played an intrinsic role in
Christian tradition continue to serve as the
shaping public policy ever since the found-
ultimate or, rather, only frame of reference
ing of the nation. For example, when estab-
in policymaking?
lishing free exercise of religion in the state
How will the political tradition of Amer-
of Rhode Island, colonist Roger Williams
ica gradually accommodate the diversity of
looked to his faith as providing the basis for
its religious communities? Is the inclusion
this when he wrote that “‘God requireth
of religious tradition in the political sphere
not a uniformity of religion to be enacted
really needed for the enforcement of moral
and enforced in any civil state.’” For major
and ethical public policy decisions? Per-
politicians, religious beliefs have provided
haps the upcoming election will determine
the ultimate frame of reference for policy
just that.
3
decisions and increasingly Americans hear
religious rhetoric amidst speeches given by
Notes
Washington officials.
Sheler, Jeffery L. “The Ways of Worship.” Mysteries
of Faith: A U.S. News and World
Report Collector’s Edition, Feb. 3, 2003.
2
Bellah, Robert N., et. al. Habits of the Heart: Individualism and Commitment in American
Life, Berkeley: University of California Press, 1996.
3
Pew Forum on Religion and Public Life Discussion.
<http://pewforum.org/religion-america/>.
4
Pew Forum on Religion and Public Life and the
Pew Research Center for the People and the
Press. American Views on Religion, Politics, and
Public Policy: Contention and Consensus.
Washington D.C., July 2003.
Interestingly enough, in a religiously pluralistic society such as America’s, “nearly
twice as many [Americans] say there has
been too little reference to religious faith and
prayer by politicians (41%) than say there
has been too much (21%)”.4 Furthermore,
58 percent of Americans say the president
relies on his faith the right amount, 21 percent would like to see religion play a larger
1
5
Ibid.
role in the president’s policymaking. and
Vol. I, Issue 1
19