Faith

Does it have a role in our republic?

In 1835, Alexis de Tocqueville, a French political thinker and historian, wrote and published Volume 1 of his book, Democracy in America. The second volume followed in 1840. Together they represent a comprehensive analysis of American society, politics, and institutions during the early 19th Century. In it, he addressed the importance of faith in the success of democratic and republican systems in the U.S.

He observed… “I do not know whether all Americans have a sincere faith in their religion—for who can search the human heart. But I am certain that they hold it to be indispensable to the maintenance of republican institutions.”

I wonder if this is the case in 2024. Do we still believe, as de Tocqueville pointed out, that religious conviction is essential for our republic to thrive?

First, let’s define terms. What do people mean when they say America is a republic? (Not to be confused with political parties, by the way.) It means we choose our leaders through a democratic process, such as elections, rather than a hereditary monarchy. After the war, many sought to make George Washington our first king, but he opposed this idea, being a strong supporter of the republican principles that grounded the revolution.

Instead, we have a federal republic, with a framework established by the U.S. Constitution, which outlines the government’s authority and responsibilities. The key features of our republic are the separation of powers among all branches of government, and the preservation of individual rights and liberties through a system of checks and balances.

So, where does faith fit in, and should it?

It’s worth mentioning that our Constitution is imbued with the religious principles that guided the Founders—moral values, the idea of natural law, the protection of religious freedom in the First Amendment, and restraints on government power. Thus, the assertion that our nation was founded on Judeo-Christian principles.

What do these ideals foster? A common moral framework that produces community and social cohesion (promotion of mutual support), the creation of social networks, forgiveness, and a sense of belonging, among other benefits.

When we adhere to faith-based values, our bonds are strengthened…for example, we honor religious diversity in our society. And, of course, the opposite can be true when we deviate. The beehive of antisemitism and racism is allowed to grow stronger.

We’re witnessing this in real time, aren’t we?

Religious organizations in the U.S. and worldwide contribute immeasurably to disaster relief efforts. We need look no further than Hurricane Ida (2021) and Covid-19 to validate this, but our nation’s history is replete with countless examples of love, compassion, and respect for others.

The challenges to faith guiding our democratic and republican institutions include secularism and the concept of “separation of church and state.” Debates over the role of religion in government policies and religious expression in public spaces. And balancing religious freedom with the protection individual rights and diversity.

As an aside, the separation phrase came from a missive that Thomas Jefferson penned to the Danbury Baptist Association in 1802. The statement does not appear in the Constitution. But the First Amendment does dictate that “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion or prohibiting the free exercise thereof.”

Jefferson meant to emphasize the boundaries between religious institutions and the government. The idea of faith is indispensable to republican institutions doesn’t violate the concept of separation, as long as religious freedom and non-establishment of religion are respected.

One last point of history. Alexis de Tocqueville…his observation was borrowed from President George Washington’s Farewell Address. The President’s caution: personal virtue and moral values are critical to the success of a democratic society.

Have we strayed from this standard?

I, for one, think there’s plenty of room for faith in how we conduct ourselves as a nation.