CIVIL RELIGION IN AMERICA: THEOLOGICAL ROOTS AND CULTURAL EVOLUTION

Abstract

Civil religion in America has served as a unifying ideological force that intertwines theological elements with national identity. Rooted in Puritan theology, Enlightenment ideals, and the political theology of the Founding Fathers, American civil religion has evolved to accommodate historical shifts and sociopolitical challenges. This paper explores the theological foundations of civil religion, its transformation through major historical phases, and the enduring role of symbols, rituals, and cultural narratives in shaping collective national identity. By integrating theological, sociological, and political perspectives, the study reveals how civil religion has functioned as a mechanism of national cohesion, moral guidance, and, at times, social exclusion.