In Robert Bellah's article on Civil Religion I was reminded of how important the use of God has, and still is, an importance in America. Although it has been said that America was founded on the Christian religion, Bellah makes a point that by referring to a general “God” as a higher power it could connect others to a God not of the Christian religion. The fact that many political leaders referred to a God and not Jesus Christ is one of Bellah’s arguments that the meaning of God is used in general so that it does not limit the definition of God to originate from Christianity.
However, we know that the Protestants came to America to break away from the regulations of their religion but the spiritual beliefs were the same. Other sects of Christianity were eventually started with the similar and main idea of God and Jesus Christ being the center of the religion.
It is interesting to me that the general “God” is a civic religion that many people embrace, but at the same time many people are trying to get away from. There are many people who want the word “God” out of every political document so that there is a complete separation of Church and state. Some people are bothered by the references to God and others say that it should remain because “God” is what this nation what founded on. Bellah claims that the references to God have been made in generality so that others can identify with the term “God” with what it means to them and that there is no connection here with Christianity. But it is also clear that not all people can relate to even this broad reference of God. It is because they know the history of the founding fathers beliefs as well as the dominant religion at that time.
Today there are many different religions in America and not all refer to their higher being as the God they identify political leaders to be speaking of. In addition, there are those who do not believe in a god and therefore find a problem with having this reference as unnecessary all together. It seems that this civic religion is somewhat changing as our society changes. Although, the references to God in politics is still used, it is not relatable to all in society.
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I have an extremely mixed opinion on the civil religion and I see that this blog is a little tilted which is in no way bad, however it makes my own views stand out. I found myself getting a reaction when I read it which made me appreciate the work. I think it shows good reflection to the article and gives an opinionated point of view.
ReplyDeleteThis blog was awesome i think that peanut was right it did show good reflection of the article and the blogger definitely gives an opinionated view. God will always be involved in society and politics but is it necessary? i believe that it is not but they will always collide someway somehow. At times it is a good thing and at times it isnt but God in America truly does exist and the blogger did a wonderful job showing how God exist within America.
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