Consider This from NPR Does America Have Its Own 'Civil Religion?'
May 31, 2021
Longtime NPR correspondent Tom Gjelten shares his insights on America's 'civil religion,' a set of shared beliefs centered on freedom and equality. He explores how this concept serves as a unifying force amid national divisions. Gjelten dives into the philosophical implications of American identity, discussing how rituals like the Pledge of Allegiance resonate differently across communities. He also highlights the experiences of marginalized groups, urging a re-evaluation of the nation's colonial history and its impact on inclusivity.
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Scouts on American Identity
- Boy Scouts consider what unites America while earning their citizenship merit badge.
- One Scout suggests shared values like freedom and respect, not nationality, hold the country together.
American vs. National Identity
- Shadi Hamid contrasts American identity with national identities like German or Swedish.
- He argues becoming American is about embracing an idea, open to any immigrant, not an inherent ethnicity.
Southern Comfort for a Muslim Woman
- Tom Gjelten shares a story about Aqsa Mahmood, a Muslim woman raised in Georgia.
- Mahmood felt more comfortable discussing faith in the South, challenging stereotypes about religious tolerance.