Religion and Politics

Signing of the Declaration of Independence

The religious and scientific movements spreading across the continents during the 17th and 18th centuries appear to coincide with the development of American individualism. The free-spirited, egotistical, freedom-loving American was seemingly born out of the religious movements of the time. The fact that American democracy shared time and space with the Great Awakening is not coincidental.

American democracy was greatly influenced by the Great Awakening and helped birth the most fundamental ideals of Americanism. Democracy was not a prevalent means of governing prior to the American Revolution. Monarchies controlled the European states and their vast colonial empires. The everyday citizen was weak in their scope of powers and opportunities to advance in society.

In the same way, thought about religion emphasized the supremacy of God and the weakness of humanity. Calvinist views on predestination exemplify the lack of independent thought. The idea of individualism and self-determination was non-existent. Furthermore, the hierarchical organization of the Catholic Church was mimicked by the European monarchies.

What can be seen is a social and political system that is reinforced by religious belief. The Great Awakening, however, challenged conventional religious thought. Although humanity was still depraved, individuals had free-will and control over their salvation. This was a radical system of thought that sparked a belief in the importance of the individual.

That same style of thought manifests itself in the American Revolution, in the Declaration of Independence, and in early American propaganda. American individualism is a distinct form. The closeness in time of the Great Awakening and birth of American democracy shows a clear relationship and strong influence.

A relationship has always existed between politics and religion. In this case, though, it appears that the relationship is a bit stronger and more influential in the development of American democracy.