Bellah

• he defines civil religion as a belief system that does not rely on the concept of having a God/ higher divine power, yet evoking a passionate mass response from its adherents, who display high degrees of commitment to that belief system
• examples include nazism, forms of nationalism and marxism
• these movements teach a “better” way of life or a “true path” that can be attained through adhering to certain moral codes
• adherents are often committed to a charismatic leader
• these movements also have symbols and rituals that create a sense of shared identity, therefore highlighting a commonality in a shared set of values
• civil religions are functional because they serve to unify people around a particular cause, which is important when there is conflict between groups within society.
• he argues that “Americanism” is the civil religion of America, as it stresses a commitment to the “American way” and reinforces the ethos that define the American dream, the idea that everyone has the freedom and opportunity to succeed in life
• expressions of Americanism in everyday life

  • “the pledge of allegiance to the flag of America” taught to children in schools
  • yearly rituals like the 4th of July, Thanksgiving, etc
  • national anthem at major sporting events, such as the Super Bowl
• • civil religion in America emphasises a belief in God, but with God being peripheral to the idea of America itself
  • this unites people with diverse beliefs into one nation under God
• criticisms of the concept of civil religion

  • it is highly unlikely that everyone who partakes in these nationalistic rituals are truly as committed to their belief in America as traditionally religion people are to their religions
  • not all Americans are united equally into the American nation, this can be evidenced by the cruel ostracism experienced by American muslims after the events of September 11th