American Civil Relgion
A Module for HIST 151

"While some have argued that Christianity is the national faith, and others that church and synagogue celebrate only the generalized religion of “the American Way of Life,” few have realized that there actually exists alongside of and rather clearly differentiated from the churches an elaborate and well-institutionalized civil religion in America. This article argues not only that there is such a thing, but also that this religion—or perhaps better, this religious dimension—has its own seriousness and integrity and requires the same care in understanding that any other religion does."

--Robert N. Bellah

In 1967, Robert N. Bellah published “Civil Religion in America,” in which he cites historical examples to show that there is a civil religion in America. Although I will summarize some of his points in class, you should read his article.

The focus of my presentation for this module will be on the elements required to make us a religion. I will also demonstrate how those elements can be found in our national self-understanding. I will also argue that part of being an American is the ability to identify with our country’s civil religion.

Funeral of President Gerald Ford

America’s reaction to the death of President Gerald Ford provides a recent example of American Civil Religion at work. By reading Mark Hornbeck's "Ford Funeral Ceremonies Begin Today in California" and its related links, you will get an overview of the funeral plans.

After you have read Dr. Bellah’s “Civil Religion in America,” you should view "Gerald Ford's Lying in State. You might also want to go to You Tube and search for other clips that show how American honored one of its “saints.”

Robert N. Bellah

"Robert Neelly Bellah is an American sociologist and educator, who for 30 years served as professor of sociology at the University of California at Berkeley. His books on the sociology of religion, including Beyond Belief: Essays on Religion in a Post-Traditional World (1970), The Broken Covenant (1975), Habits of the Heart (1985), and The Good Society (1991), have shaped the discipline. In 1985, Habits of the Heart won The Los Angeles Times Book Prize for "Current Interest" and, in 1986, was a Jury Nominee for the Pulitzer Prize in General Non-fiction. In 2000, he was awarded the National Humanities Medal by President Clinton."