The Separation of Religious and National Identity among American Youth
Studies of American youth and religion often examine the changes in their religious expression, faith, opinions of institutions, and liberal views. Less attention is given to youth’s understanding of, and connection between, their national and religious identities. Similarly, studies of religion and...
| Main Author: | |
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| Format: | Electronic Article |
| Language: | English |
| Check availability: | HBZ Gateway |
| Journals Online & Print: | Drawer...
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| Fernleihe: | Fernleihe für die Fachinformationsdienste |
| Published: |
Common Ground Publishing
2021
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| In: |
The international journal of religion and spirituality in society
Year: 2021, Volume: 12, Issue: 1, Pages: 79-92 |
| Further subjects: | B
American Youth
B Christian Nationalism B Diversity B Christianity B Identity B Neoliberalism |
| Online Access: |
Volltext (lizenzpflichtig) Volltext (lizenzpflichtig) |
| Summary: | Studies of American youth and religion often examine the changes in their religious expression, faith, opinions of institutions, and liberal views. Less attention is given to youth’s understanding of, and connection between, their national and religious identities. Similarly, studies of religion and national identity have focused little attention specifically on young adults. Thus, between spring and summer of 2019, I conducted thirteen semi-structured interviews with American college students who identified as Christian to examine how they understand and connect their national and religious identity. Focusing on two themes (vision of the United States and religion in the political realm), I noted that all thirteen respondents reject the narrative and ideology of Christian nationalism that stresses the sacred connection between Christianity and the United States. They see the United States as a country that centers on religious freedom, but is culturally influenced by religion, can benefit from religious teachings, and that needs to be more welcoming of diversity. Further, they argue for a complete separation of church and state, putting religious realm outside of government’s dominion. During these interviews, I made two interesting observations. Like Christian nationalists, my respondents often used a "founding" argument regarding the US Constitution to justify their beliefs. Also, when asked about religion and politics, they exhibited a neo-liberal view of minimalizing government’s role. Hence, they were unable to imagine a present, supportive, and active role that the government can play to better support religious diversity and contest the Christian-dominant political climate. I conclude this article by expressing the need for restorative and intersectional conversations, reflection on racism within churches and the government, and a creative mindset on government policy if we want to protect religious minorities and welcome diversity. |
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| ISSN: | 2154-8641 |
| Contains: | Enthalten in: The international journal of religion and spirituality in society
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| Persistent identifiers: | DOI: 10.18848/2154-8633/CGP/v12i01/79-92 |