Civic Faith and American Nationalism

Civic faith played a critical role in shaping American nationalism during the Cold War, intertwining religious symbolism with national identity. Professor Richard Gamble highlights the influence of civil religion in binding Americans' civic duties with their spiritual beliefs. This interplay gained prominence as figures like Eisenhower emphasized religion as foundational to democracy, signaling an era where national values were often justified through religious rhetoric. The class discussions referenced writings from influential thinkers like Robert Bella, who argued for a more conscious acknowledgment of civil religion's significance.