I am neither a politician nor a theologian, but only speak from personal observation and experience.  Dr. Sharansky’s recent missive on politics American style was interesting, but also raised some questions which I thought I’d throw out into the world of cyberspace and see if any answers come back – a bit like the SETI project.

Dr. Sharansky posits the following:

“Why the American preoccupation with religion, and what politicians see as what the Almighty wants, demands, or forbids?”

Among the responses that could be given, he includes:

“One has to do with the religious origin of early immigrants (Pilgrims, Puritans, Roger Williams).”

If you ask most Americans today (or at least the ones who have managed to skirt past 6^th grade) why the Pilgrims came to this country, the common answer is “for religious freedom”.  Well, yes and no.  A bare-bones explanation would seem to point to the idea of religious freedom but in fact the Pilgrims came here because the Church of England would no longer sanction their restrictive theo-political practices.  Remember, the Pilgrims came from the Great Cromwellian revolt – a revolt that persecuted the Catholics and Jews in England.  So basically the Pilgrims came to America so they would not be contaminated by the liberalness and religious tolerance shown by the Throne and Parliament.  And what of Roger Williams?  Remember, he was banished because he spoke out against the religious tyranny of the Pilgrims.  So the Pilgrims were not so much suffering religious refugees, but religious bigots would would not and did not tolerate anyone who chose to express beliefs that were contrary to the group think. So in that sense, the current theo-political atmosphere in the US is running true to course – if you’re a Pilgrim.

Another reason echoed in Dr. Sharansky’s epistle is: “Another with the lack of established churches, which--along with immigration from many places--produces competition between churches for members, often via colorful evangelical movements.”

While mainstream denominations have seen a decline in membership, there is no lack of established churches.  The mainstream denominations are struggling for congregants, yes, but every town has a Methodist, Presbyterian, Lutheran, Episcopalian, and Catholic church on one street corner or another.  The bigger the city, the more churches and synagogues.  Americans began pulling away from mainstream denominations during the late 60s and 70s, becoming what Martin E. Marty referred to as the “unchurched”.   During the 80s and 90s, however, many of the unchurched, now parents, began to return to church in order to provide some sort of doctrinal foundation and ‘safe’ social activities for their children.  I also think many returned to church seeking a semblance of community.  

The influx of immigrants simply added to mix with the establishment of churches that conduct services in the immigrants native languages – but this is nothing new in this country.  Churches throughout the building of this country often offered services in Polish, Norwegian, German, French, etc.  We notice it more today simply because the services are offered in Spanish, Korean, Tagalog, and Swahili.  In addition, the growth of non-Christian religions has produced Buddhist temples, Zen centers, Shinto monasteries, and Islamic mosques that are often startling to the American sensibility.   As for the ‘colorful evangelical movements’, again, this has always been a factor in religious America – technology simple moved the evangelicals from the revival tent onto the big screen resulting in huge edifices in which one can now participate in weekly revivals rather than waiting months for Elmer Gantry to make it to your town.  In other words, Americans don’t lack places of worship – perhaps what we lack is the purpose of worship.  Since I am not Jewish, I can’t speak of the worship experience in today’s American synagogue.  But as one of the many unchurched in America, I can relate some personal observations and opinions of this country’s religious preoccupations:

·         In general, the American attitude is that religion should make us feel good – about ourselves, our work, our lives.  God is neither wrathful nor holds the believer accountable for their actions (notice, God is only vengeful against the designated non-believer).  All we have to do is confess our sins, we get forgiveness, and all is right in the world.  As long as we say we’re sorry, it’s okay.  Religion in America means never having to be responsible only publicly contrite.   Which perhaps explains the fall and rise of Jimmy Swaggert and the current support for Tom DeLay’s unethical behavior.

·         Religion is a public event in this country.  We like big sporting events, the Rolling Stones concerts, we like big spectacle – why?  Because such events allow us to “lose” ourselves in something more fantastic, more grandiose than our daily routines.  We become the spectacle at such events.  The bigger the spectacle the more we find ourselves drawn in.  Watching some of the televangelists is a bit like watching the hologram and light displays at Walt Disney World – all flash and bang, everyone is impressed – and for that one moment, the mendacity of life is replaced by glory and the belief in the fantastic. 

·         Religion is the foundation of moral values (whatever those may be – they seem to vary from congregant to congregant) therefore as religious believers, we are charged with ensuring those moral values (insert your choice here) are not only upheld by all citizens, but are canonized in our legal and governmental system.  It is our duty as religious warriors to ensure that our government safeguards our particular beliefs.  This has always puzzled me – the desire, the drive, the fervor in which believers seek governmental legitimacy of their particular code of morals and ethics.  If it weren’t so politically threatening, it would be humorous.  My personal opinion is that when religion must be governmentally codified, then something in that particular religion is so weak that the believers lack the faith in the strength of their God.  I am always amused when talking with evangelical friends who seem to fear the power of Satan more than they revere the power of God. 

Perhaps we are simply coming full circle – from extolling a group of religious bigots to codifying that bigotry in our government.  It will be interesting to see which version of the Almighty wins out.  And it will be interesting to see who will rise as the American Oliver Cromwell.

—Beverly McCartt, Winter Park, Florida

(Editor's note: McCartt says she "grew up in a household where philosophy, religion, politics, humanities, and the sciences were freely discussed and debated."  She adds: " I¹m a writer, a reader, and for a living, I¹m a canine hydrotherapist (I swim dogs needing physical therapy).  Other than that, my life is as normal as it can be for a liberal Democrat living in a Republican enclave.)