American Grace

Introduction

Robert Putnam, author of the widely discussed Bowling Alone (2000), and avid Campbell, a Notre Dame political scientist, have teamed up to write a sweeping, impressive analysis of religious change in the United States since World War II. Among other topics, American Grace covers the growth of religious polarization; the influence of religion on gender, race, and class relations; the politics of congregational life; the effects of inter-faith marriage and friendships on religious faith; the influence of religion on charity and political tolerance; and the effects of secularization. This wide assortment is united, however, by a common interest. Putnam and Campbell wonder what holds us together as a nation in spite of the fact that America is both more devout and more religiously diverse than other modern democracies (Barnes & Sandra, p. 84).

Part of the answer is that most congregations tend to deemphasize politics. This is even true in evangelical churches, where Putnam and Campbell describe politics as "a sideshow" rather than "the main attraction." Only 24% of evangelicals report that their churches register voters or distribute voter guides, and fewer than a third say they hear sermons on political topics as often as once a month. Even members of relatively politicized liberal congregations, such as Reform synagogues and black churches, do not report hearing much about politics on the Sabbath. Fewer than half of African-Americans, for example, say they hear a "politically tinged" sermon at least once a month. This does not mean congregations tend to be apolitical, as Putnam and Campbell are careful to stress. Most congregations, for instance, are politically homogeneous places that reaffirm common political beliefs and commitments through informal social networks. Clearly, however, most Christians are not drawn to a political gospel.

Discussion

Putnam and Campbell's findings remind us that the link between politics and religion would be far stronger if liberal believers and congregations were more numerous. In fact, only 2% of Americans both identify themselves as political liberals and attend a politically active congregation. The Christian Right is far more influential not because it is powered by an unusually politicized gospel, but because the vast majority of churchgoers are conservative. Perhaps Americans United for the Separation of Church and State should take some comfort from the weakness of the religious Left.

Author's Findings about American Religion

Putnam and Campbell believe that America combines religious tolerance and pluralism because there are so few true believers and so many intertwined citizens of distinct but not opposed faiths. "This is America's grace," they conclude. America would almost certainly suffer from greater religious conflict if there were more true believers pushing mutually exclusive claims about ultimate truths (Adams & Greg p. 126). But this counterfactual suggests an alternative reading of their evidence: perhaps American tolerance does not overcome religious diversity, but reflects an underlying religious unity. If our metaphysical differences ran deeper, practicing tolerance would be both more important and more difficult.

How Did The Authors Reach Their Conclusions?

In fact, the authors seem so comforted by America's cultural and political harmony that they even express a desire for ...