“Civil religion” is a concept that refers to the religious nature of nationalistic/patriotic practices and beliefs: Bellah’s definition of American civil religion is that it is “an institutionalized collection of sacred beliefs about the American nation,” which he sees symbolically expressed in America’s founding documents and presidential inaugural addresses. It includes a belief in the existence of a transcendent being called “God,” an idea that the American nation is subject to God’s laws, and an assurance that God will guide […]

Categories: Reflections • Tags: Civil religion, Immanent Frame, Philip Gorski, United States