Abstract
This study examines the relationship between religion and politics in the United States. It first articulates several sociological theories of religion, namely, those put forth by Karl Marx, Max Weber, Emile Durkheim, Robert Bellah, and Peter Berger. Upon developing a basic understanding of these theories, the various approaches are applied to a contemporary context. George W. Bush and Jimmy Carter, two recent U.S. presidents are compared in terms of their use of religion in inaugural addresses and foreign policy formulations. Important themes which prevail throughout this work include the distinctions priestly and prophetic, cognitive and emotive, and intentional and unintentional uses of religion. This study concludes by claiming that religion does in fact playa decisive role in American politics, as demonstrated by the comprehensive theoretical analysis ofthe examples provided by President Bush and President Carter
Advisor
Kammer, III, Charles L.
Department
Religious Studies
Recommended Citation
Huffman, Kevin R., "Sacred Politics: a Theoretical Outlook and Application of Religion in the United States" (2003). Senior Independent Study Theses. Paper 4071.
https://openworks.wooster.edu/independentstudy/4071
Publication Date
2003
Degree Granted
Bachelor of Arts
Document Type
Senior Independent Study Thesis
© Copyright 2003 Kevin R. Huffman