The intersection of religion and politics has long been a topic of intrigue and controversy in the United States, particularly as the nation strives to uphold its secular ideals. My topic addresses the public sphere of politics and the private practice of religion and how these realms are often muddled. This phenomenon has existed since the First Amendment ideals were established in 1791:

“Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof.”

Now, with a more modern approach, the lines between private life and the role of religion in American political life challenge how one ought to view the concept of American secularism.

In exploring this topic, I seek to examine the evolving role of religion in politics—from its early days in the American experiment to its modern influence, whether by including religious language in our country’s symbols and mottos or the more modern response to political crises.

At the same time, modern shifts, such as the declining rates in the Jewish faith and Indigenous religions, reflect changing religious demographics and new questions about the role of faith in a pluralistic society. These changes in society have prompted me to focus on groups that have each influenced both religion and politics in the United States—specifically, Native Americans, Jewish communities, and Catholics.

These groups have specific doctrines, traditions, and lived experiences that change how the average member subscribes to political issues, whether supporting or disapproving of policy regarding abortion, the environment, or immigration.

Native Americans, whose spiritual beliefs and land rights are deeply intertwined, offer an important perspective on the intersection of religion, sovereignty, and the environment. Catholics have been incredibly influential in shaping debates on abortion and contraception, where church doctrine, scripture, the sense of the faithful, and legal and social standards clash.

Similarly, Jewish groups, with their rich history of migration and persecution, continue to advocate for policies on immigration and refugee rights, making their voice (in history and the present day) central to discussions on how the United States should approach immigration.

This research stems from my own interests and the religious intricacies evident in everyday life, whether in the public or private sphere. Religion is not just a set of beliefs or practices—it is interwoven into the fabric of social and political life, shaping how people view the world around them and engage with key issues.

It also provides a lens through which we can better understand political dynamics and societal structures. As these groups face historical and contemporary challenges, their religious and cultural contexts offer unique insights into the political processes shaping American society.

Overly simplistic views on each of the groups could result in some understanding of an average view on the issues presented; however, in this study, it is more important to explore why or how one could use their religious views and transition to influence these opinions.

Author: Mia Clevano