The story of how the GOP, the Democratic Party, and the Black Lives Matter movement became synonymous with certain religious beliefs.
Author: Leandra Archibald
As largescale movements like Black Lives Matter and Pro-Life become more and more aligned with the dogmas and ideologies of Islam or the likes of Evangelical Christianity, there is no denying how closely linked one’s religious beliefs may be to their political ones. In a recent survey, 55% of Evangelical Protestants identified as conservative, and while that may not be an indicator for partisan allegiances, another survey revealed that a majority of Christians were Republican, while a majority of all non-Christians were Democratic. It would be reasonable to assume the controversial views (e.g. Homophobia, anti-abortion, etc.) commonly attributed to Republicans and the Bible may be one reason for this notable demographic. After all, out of 53 Republican senators, all of which are Evangelical Protestant, Catholic, or Mormon, only 2 voted against a bill that imposed a 20-week abortion ban. However, this doesn’t account for how Muslims, prior to Obama, had 42% percent of voters go red. Because of this, one overarching question emerges: How did we get here?
To first tackle this, there has to be a look at the reasoning that brought these groups to vote the way they do, especially when it comes to such a large majority of republicans that are commonly Mormon, Catholic, or Protestant. For Protestants specifically, it seems to be an undercurrent of longstanding fears that their church may be ignored, if not outright attacked, by the changing political landscape in America. In some ways, it can be expressed in as simple a phrase as this: “mankind turned its back on God." From the legalization of gay marriage to the all-too argued issue of birth control, Evangelicals are called to action under the assumption that their foundations may soon conflict with American politics, something that they, of all the religious groups in America, should be least fearful of. After all, “[The Evangelical Church] has become so strong that it exercises veto power over the political prospects of any Republican nominee,” a fact that no other religious group in America can say for themselves.
In contrast, while Evangelicals vote in fear of the future, it seems other groups have voted in reaction to the present. Muslims, despite voting red in the past, have often displayed a trend of going blue, especially as a result of the discrimination experienced following the events of 9/11. After being marginalized and harmed due to “a spate in hate crime...Democrats...offered the safest haven.” However, the same source that cites this fact also acknowledges that this isn’t the only thing relevant to Muslim voters. In recent years, this demographic is still relying on Democrats to hear them out and have their backs, but Democrats may not be able to so easily accommodate them, a difficult reality to face following the “Trump” era. Similar to Evangelicals, Muslims and Democrats do feel like they are “under siege” as a result of the actions of the Trump administration, and despite worries, this similarity may yet keep Muslims voting blue.
When it comes to Catholics, however, being generalized to one political party is something they are unable to share with Republican Evangelicals and left-leaning Muslims. In recent years, the number of Catholics that were Democratic/Republican were evenly matched. As a consequence, they are “sharply polarized” to the point their religious beliefs are less likely to be representative of their political stances. For instance, “among Catholic Republicans and GOP leaners, 55% say abortion should be illegal in all or most cases… At the same time, 64% of Catholic Democrats and Democratic leaners say abortion should be legal in all or most cases.” This stark contrast is a noticeable indicator of said polarization, but this may be the answer to how this political landscape came to be.
From a history of searching for a safe haven to looming fears of being under attack by the rest of the world, the political allegiances of religious groups, besides Catholics, have been decisively “right” or “left” as a result of a dwindling sense of protection. If not for Republicans actively pushing for the values of Evangelicals in a political sphere, what would become of a denomination that believes the world is actively “turning its back on God”? Similarly, what will become of the Muslims who have to consider the marginalized and oppressed amidBlack Lives Matter protests? In an era where Trump seems to be a beacon of divisiveness instead of unity, one may have to look outside of their religious and political allegiances. Catholics have already done so, but maybe even Evangelicals have to cast away fear in hopes that the world may soon change for the better without the implications of “red” or “blue”.
Leandra Archibald is a rising senior who currently resides in Mount Vernon, New York. Raised in a non-denominational Christian family, Leandra has always had an open mind to different denominations and religions and has been going to Catholic school for much of her life. Through observing other communities, she finds clarity in what it means to maintain a connection with God.
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official views or positions of Converge Interfaith.