SOCI 326 1st Edition Lecture 6American Civil Religion Last time Discussed Durkheim & totems Contributes to cohesion Background for today Durkheim Religion in Ancient society Homogenous population, simple division of labor Religion experienced as supraindividual force Solidarity: shared belief Strict enforcement of group norms Religion in modern society Diverse population, complex division of labor Plurality of belief (and non belief)‐ Religion as supraindividual force is weaker Solidarity: shared abstract values (liberté, égalité, fraternité) Durkheimians (e.g. Robert Bellah): civil religion Wondering what unites people in societies such as these, thisleads to the concept of civil religion Robert Bellah & Civil Religion Definition: "…The cultural beliefs, practices, and symbols that relate anation to the ultimate conditions of its existence." Predecessors: Rousseau, Durkheim Over time this concept has been: contested, challenged, and expanded Solidarity is different in modern societies Civil Religion in America: Background Since colonial days: US valued individualism & commitment Overtime laws have been put in place to protect individuals rights andvalues These have been constantly expanding to include other groups Core value is that we are responsible for each other, there is an obligationto protect one another What reinforced this commitment?1. A biblical concept of Covenant with God 2. Secular republican philosophy: Required individuals to Pursue CommonGood There was a fear that if only self interest was pursued, it would unravel the countries solidarity Civil Religion in America Robert Bellah What is the basis of solidarity in the US? Social Sentiments: the social obligation to care for others What are the challenges to the American Civil Religion?Individualism Civil Religion is manifest in Presidential addresses Sacred Texts The Constitution The Declaration of Independence Places Rituals Civil Religion: Most evident during times of trial Revolution, Civil war, Independence movements of 1960s & 1970s The mythology of the Civil Religion in America began almost from the beginning however Civil Religion in America: Origins America as "The promised land" US is the new Israel, As in a place for gods children to flee from Europe The fundamental goodness of America is referenced with an almost supernaturalblessing Roberts & Yamane Civil Religion in America "High" Holy Days Presidential Inaugurations JFK Inauguration God mentioned 3 times in his address But not Jesus Christ or Roman Catholic Church Rather: Concept of God (in the abstract) Was it political or a social significant move? References the concept of god as something that everyone can accept, and this is an indicator of the Civil Religion Ensures its universality of "god" within a civil concept Sacred Places: Washington Monument Lincoln Memorial The Capitol Building Burial Sites of American Presidents Sacred Symbols: American flag: Stars & Stripes National Heroes: Presidents initially Expands to include Betsy Ross, MLK,…ect Civil Religion & God Emphasizes order, law, and justice Rather than emphasizing love and salvation Actively interested, and involved in history But with a special concern for America "They came here, the exile and the stranger, brave but frightened… They made a convenient with this land… and it binds us still…" President Johnson‐ Challenges of Civil Religion in America Slavery & Civil War "A new theme of death, sacrifice, and rebirth…" Symbolized in the death of Abraham LincolnGettysburg address Becomes part of the Lincolnian "new testament" that will be taught in schools to expand what the Civil Religion means. Lincoln is seen as a symbolic Jesus. Because of his sacrifice the country was able to be reborn Challenges in the contemporary period Independence movements of the 1960s and 1970s Vietnam 9/11 & terrorism Civil Religion in America Civil Religion Encourages a critical attitudeWorks towards expanding understanding of Civil Religion andwhat it entails What are the signs of Civil Religion's strengths or weakness? Strengths Higher levels of trust in the military Compared to the low levels of trust around thetime of Vietnam Weaknesses Low levels of trust in GovernmentThese notes represent a detailed interpretation of the professor’s lecture. GradeBuddy is best used as a supplement to your own notes, not as a