The Individualization of American Religion and its Impact on Politics

Religious faith in America has become largely privatized for individuals, causing a difference in the secularization of the U.S. compared to Europe and Canada. The individualization of American religion, exemplified in the language of evangelicalism, has made it durable but also has downsides from a sociological perspective. This individualization has been associated with Protestantism and is theorized as leading to a higher suicide rate compared to the more communal orientation of Catholicism. There has been a significant shift in the intersection of faith and politics, with people now choosing their religion based on their politics rather than the other way around. Politics has become a master lens through which people view the world, leading to severe ideological and religious polarization. This trend has led to the decline of moderate Protestants and the increasing dominance of conservative religion in America.