Robert Bellah describes civil religion to be a social concept that has its own divine right of worship that is parallel to the writings and teachings of the bible. However, civil religion is different to the one found in churches, mosques, synagogue or a temple. This special kind of religion, however, draws its concepts from the traditional beliefs especially Christianity. The term “civil religion” originates from Rousseau’s The social contract . This term basically means the existence of God, life to come and the punishment that comes with the vice. This notion by Rousseau was originally meant to unify the American state by binding together different religions.
However, Bellah bases his analysis on the speeches of the founding presidents such as Kennedy and Abraham Lincoln. In Kennedy’s speech, he uses the word “God” to mean religious dimension of political realms that are very crucial in providing important fabric in American civil institutions. These public religious dimensions are expressed in forms of symbols, rituals, and ceremonies. For example, the inauguration of the president is a very important concept in this religion. This event helps to reaffirm the religious legitimacy of highest authority in a political perspective. It harbors a lot of symbolism by using civil war to presents themes of death, sacrifice, and rebirth in the next life. Civil religion has helped America to think about its independence and slavery which are the most critical memories that help to affirm civil authority. It is therefore important to view civil religion as an American understanding of universal reality and past experiences.
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However, the use of God in civil religion seems to have a different meaning that antagonizes other religions. There is no real connection between the Bible and the United States. Furthermore, Bellah does not appreciate the need of American people to make judgment based on their daily activities. This process from a personal point of view does not really require the intervention of religion. The term, “God of America” clearly differentiates this kind of religion from the Christian or Jewish one. It is important to note that liberation does not need intervention of religion since it is constituted on the basis of citizens’ self-interests. These interests play a key role in determining the preferred outcomes that suit people’s demands. However, it is important to appreciate Bellah’s view that faith is the main driving force in constituting legitimate civil organizations in any state.
