Civil Religion Flashcards
Who suggested Civil Religion?
Bellah (Neo-Functionalist) in a post-traditional society.
Civil Religion replacing traditional religious practices in the USA:
- Due to an increase in secularisation, BELLAH argued that religion was being replaced with civil religion, specifically in the USA.
- BELLAH stated there were increasingly complex relationships between different denominations of Christianity and America, meaning more people involved in civil religion compared to traditional religious practises.
- Civil religion merged traditional Christian values + American patriotism = distinct civil religion based on aspects of American culture developing sacred qualities -> Americanism became a way of life (such as challenges of established order in American society).
Civil Religion as an Identity:
- BELLAH argued that civil religions promote an identity for individuals based on national identity or ideological way of life -> this was embedded into aspects of American life.
- This compensated for the diversity of religion (particularly mass migration in 20th Century) -> adherence to American values allows America to be inclusive of diverse religions as long as they follow the values.
What is a Positive Aspect to Civil Religion as an Identity?
It can arguably be seen as being inclusive.
What is a Negative Aspect to Civil Religion as an Identity?
Can be presented as a form of assimilation for migrants in the USA -> making sure American ideals are followed.
Aspects of Civil Religion:
BELLAHS definition of civil religion includes aspects of traditional religious such as artifacts, texts, ceremonies -> being apart of the national identity.
These take on a sacred quality within American life.
Examples of American ceremonies:
1) Thanksgiving.
2) Independence Day.
3) Pledge of allegiance (RITUAL).
Examples of American Artifacts + Texts:
1) The Constitution.
2) The Bill of Rights.
3) The American Flag.
Example of an American Monument:
The Statue of Liberty.
