Civil Religion for Perry

http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/figuring-faith/post/rick-perry-and-the-perils-of-sectarian-religion-in-2012/2011/09/22/gIQANiDOoK_blog.html

This week in a column called Figuring Faith, Robert Jones writes an interesting article where he seems to have a good understanding of this idea of Civil Religion that Fowler talks about in his writings.  In his article, Jones brings up Perry’s stance on some basic belief issues.  Many in America believe in evolution and some kind of climate change, but Perry has said that he does not believe in any evolution, but instead believes solely in creation.  This brings up the role of religion in politics.  I continue to believe that you cannot separate religion and politics because religion simply forms the basis of an individuals thoughts and opinions.  There are way too many issues in politics in which opinions are formed by religion that the two just cannot be separated.  Before I get side tracked, back to Perry’s beliefs on evolution and climate change.  In his article, Jones writes of Perry that he is, “a man who is fired more by faith and reliance on God than by academic credentials or science.” (Jones).  The disbelief of evolution and climate change in this world of advanced sciences is not a particularly popular one.  Jones has some statistical analysis showing that the majority of Americans believe that humans have evolved in some way or another over time.  Although this may not be of popular belief, it is a belief that is shaped by Perry’s religion.  Evangelical Christians believe that God has created all things and that evolution is just a “theory”.  After reading about Fowler’s idea of Civil Religion and the role of religion in politics today, I believe Fowler and Jones would agree on this idea.  Jones writes, “most Americans say it is important that a presidential candidate have strong religious beliefs.  Our new findings show that Perry’s invocation of sectarian religion and scientific skepticism will likely play well with both evangelicals and Tea Party members, who also share these views.” (Jones).  This is a key issue that Jones seems to agree with Fowler on.  Yes Perry has strong religious beliefs that don’t agree with all of America.  However, because Perry is so passionate, he will win over the votes of those who share his beliefs and since he is a Christian (a popular American religion) religion can be on his side in this country where civil religion is so prevalent.