Internationally, the largest North American nation faced a very  different set  of problems as it eventually turned outward toward Europe in the era of two world wars.  Protestant nationalism no longer remained the chief ideological component.  As Will Herberg explained in his classic study, “Protestant, Catholic, Jew,” citizens from all three of the major traditions   shared a common allegiance in patriotism  as their members  fought and died together for their country.  The struggle against fascism and then communism, lasting until nearly the end of the twentieth century, intensified and solidified the American consensus of Civil Religion—a common belief in God and moral destiny.

Election campaigns generate slogans and simplified ideological responses.  Ever since Parson Weems uncritically  eulogized  George Washington, there has been a long succession of books with pious authors that simplistically praise presidential piety. Presidents stand in a living tradition and the quality of their ethical decisions and religious beliefs must be evaluated in part in terms of the issues of their times.  (Slavery as well as war in Europe are examples.) The fact cannot be overlooked that Christianity in the past has depended on   moral traditions which predate by centuries liberal democracy and civil tolerance.  Biblical religion’s conscience and prophetic voice  have contributed decisively to the development of both of them.

The macromodel in tems of which presidents  make their decisions is crucial and in the larger sense has faith dimensions as they look to the future.  Affirmation of inclusive human rights, abolition of the Constantinian union of church and state, and popular democracy are all saturated with “ultimate concern.”  The presidency gives an opportunity for chief executives’ faith to be exercised positively or negatively.  It was Reinhold Niebuhr who argued, human freedom makes democracy possible, human sin makes it necessary.  Niebuhr’s distinction between moral man and immoral society is still relevant,  The perennial question is not alone just one of individual virtue, important as that is, but of the responsible use of power.

Tags: Christianity, Human rights, Protestantism, Religion, United States

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