July Fourth (Independence Day), Memorial Day, the Lincoln Memorial, and the Pledge of Allegiance would all be considered examples that correspond to______________ .

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

These examples correspond to American civil religion, which refers to a set of values, beliefs, symbols, and rituals that blend elements of Christianity, patriotism, and Enlightenment liberalism into an unofficial, quasi-religious faith that binds Americans together as a nation. This concept was first coined by sociologist Robert Bellah in 1967 to describe the role of public ceremonies and symbols in expressing the shared identity and destiny of Americans, and it has remained a popular framework for understanding the intersection of politics, religion, and culture in the United States.