Interpreting God's Will in Washington, D.C.: An Analysis of the Theological, Moralistic, and Ideological Aspects of Religious Lobbying on Four Selected Public Policies

Amy E. Felix, The College of Wooster

Abstract

The focus of this Independent Study is the analysis of the motivating aspects of religious lobbying on behalf of public policy. It is commonly accepted that religious groups have access to the political arena, however, what is often overlooked is the perspective of why these groups interact in politics. Theology, morality, and ideology will be studied as the primary motivating aspects for religious action in the lobbying community. Theologies represent the interpretation of God in this world. Theologies are reflected in the world through ideologies and moralities. Moralities are codes of behavior for a society. For religious groups, moralities are rooted in the theologies. Ideologies are the ways in which a religio"Js group interacts within the framework of society. These religious gro'Jps participate in the lobbying community to maintain their vested interests at the national political level. Religious groups regularly provide testimonies to Congress on both domestic and foreign policies. Religious groups interact with the executive, legislative, and judicial branches of federal government to promote their interests and concerns. The groups selected for this thesis are the Union of American Hebrew Congregations, the National Council of Churches of Christ, the United States Catholic Conference, and the National Association of Evangelicals. These groups were selected based upon the following criteria: membership as an umbrella organization for denominations or congregations; ideological differences between the four groups; offices in Washington, D.C.; general influence in the lobbying community; and action on the selected issues.

 

© Copyright 1991 Amy E. Felix