Faith and Law Are Religion and Politics Indivisible? Models for Pluralist Democracies
Mar 20, 2025
Dr. Amy Black, a political science professor at Wheaton College and author of the upcoming book on civil religion, discusses the intricate relationship between religion and politics in a pluralist democracy. She critiques both strict secularism and Christian nationalism, arguing for an inclusive civil religion to foster harmony. The conversation delves into the implications of religious pluralism and advocates for shared values that embrace diversity, while encouraging believers to embody positive virtues in public life amidst today's polarized landscape.
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Religious Diversity in the US
- The US is becoming more religiously diverse, with the fastest-growing group being the "Nones."
- This raises questions about the role of religion in public life within a pluralist democracy.
Christian Nationalism vs. Patriotism
- Christian nationalism is a cultural framework, not a religion, that seeks to prioritize Christian cultural norms in defining American identity.
- It's different from patriotism, which is simply love of country and support for its ideals.
Strict Secularism
- Strict secularism aims to remove all religious influence from public life, viewing religion as divisive and at odds with democratic ideals.
- It's a distinct worldview, not just a lack of religious affiliation.