The existence of civil religion in the American public life, society and politics

Abstract EN

This paper deals with the phenomenon and theory of Civil Religion especially especially after the publication of Robert Bellah's famous article “Civil Religion in America” in 1967 in which he claimed that Civil Religion is dead.

It is a civic faith that contains sacred symbols, ideals, documents, texts and signs, which are part of the American public life, society and politics.

The main questions that this study explores concern the existence of this civic faith, and whether it is dead like Bellah claimed.

To find some answers, the researcher dealt with some sacramental texts, documents, sites and songs to prove the existence and importance of such a civic faith in the American society and politics.

The results have shown that this faith does exist nearly in every aspect of American life but it is not merely nationalism.

It is a combination of divine mottoes, songs, sites, documents and monuments.

Civil Religion is even represented on US currency on the one-dollar bill with the famous phrase “In God We Trust”.

It is also present on Presidential speeches when they conclude their addresses by 'God bless you and God bless the United States of America' Therefore, Civil Religion exists and it is part of the American society, public spheres and politics too.

To conclude, Civil Religion influences policy makers who believe that this nation was divine and that it the last best hope for the world that will spread peace to all other countries.