Advisor to the RISS director Ilya Kravchenko analyzed the influence of religion on political processes in the United States, especially the role of churches and organizations in shaping the party preferences of American voters.
Summary:
The First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution guarantees several fundamental freedoms, including religion. The USA is an utterly religious country and it influences politics. At this moment, the trend is changing and the current religious situation is ambivalent. The reasons for it are as follows: growth of progressive sentiments in the society and an increasing number of various religious organizations that are mostly about making money.
The analyst cites some statistics – the vast majority of the population in the US is Christians (Catholics & Protestants). So, the greater number of White Protestants would vote for a Republican. However, an average Black Protestant would go for a Democrat, as the Democratic Party usually fights for the black rights.
There is a tendency: an ordinary voter votes on the basis of socio-economic program, race, sex, and attitude towards the migration issue, rather than on the basis of the candidate’s religion. Political elite consists mostly of the Protestants and this was determined by history (the Founding Fathers were also Protestants).
Religion can also serve as a weapon, as a tool of propaganda. American media often speculates on religious persecution on the Uyghurs in China.
The expert puts an emphasis on the fact that more and more Americans believe that identifying oneself as a religious person is enough nowadays. Specifying one’s confession is not of a great importance.
17.01.2025
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The Role of Religion in US Political Life
Summary:
The First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution guarantees several fundamental freedoms, including religion. The USA is an utterly religious country and it influences politics. At this moment, the trend is changing and the current religious situation is ambivalent. The reasons for it are as follows: growth of progressive sentiments in the society and an increasing number of various religious organizations that are mostly about making money.
The analyst cites some statistics – the vast majority of the population in the US is Christians (Catholics & Protestants). So, the greater number of White Protestants would vote for a Republican. However, an average Black Protestant would go for a Democrat, as the Democratic Party usually fights for the black rights.
There is a tendency: an ordinary voter votes on the basis of socio-economic program, race, sex, and attitude towards the migration issue, rather than on the basis of the candidate’s religion. Political elite consists mostly of the Protestants and this was determined by history (the Founding Fathers were also Protestants).
Religion can also serve as a weapon, as a tool of propaganda. American media often speculates on religious persecution on the Uyghurs in China.
The expert puts an emphasis on the fact that more and more Americans believe that identifying oneself as a religious person is enough nowadays. Specifying one’s confession is not of a great importance.