Wondering if you can help
me think through something or point me in a direction?
In the context of contemporary American Christianity, how are political views and religious understanding related?
I think American Christian’s believe their political views (both left and right) are moral and aligned with their faith.
Those of opposing political would likely quietly or openly characterize the other side as having misguided politics and probably suspect them of also having elements of misguided theology.
Where do political thought and religious understanding map to within personhood? Is one the wellspring of the other? Or are they more or less indistinguishable—a single unified moral concept? They seem very closely placed, possibly even in those who would deny it. (I’m political but not religious or I’m religious but not political).
Conversions from progressive or liberal Christianity to traditional or evangelical Christianity are essentially always accompanied by a political conversion as well. And the opposite holds true as well. Conversions from traditional or evangelical faith invariably occur in concert with a political shift.
It may actually be that leftward translation is social/political 1st, followed by religious (if religiosity is maintained. And rightward shift is more often a primary religious impulse followed by political realignment? But I’m not sure.