The Politics of Secularism in the United States
Title
The Politics of Secularism in the United States
Author
Campbell, David E.
Layman, Geoffrey C.
Research Area
Class, Status and Power
Topic
Political Power
Abstract
Secularism is on the rise within the United States. Religious nonaffiliation has increased dramatically, while other measures of religiosity—worship attendance, belief in God, belief in scripture—are waning. This essay considers the political implications of this secular turn, in light of the historically high rates of religiosity within the United States. In doing so, we distinguish between passive and active secularism and describe measures of each. Passive secularism refers to not being religious—not identifying with a religion, not attending religious services, and not believing in God. Active secularism is the affirmative adoption of a secular worldview and identity. With this distinction, we can trace Americans' growing political polarization along religious–secular lines. One form of passive secularism—religious nonaffiliation—is often triggered by a backlash to the Religious Right. More generally, both passively and actively secular voters are moving to the political left. Furthermore, while smaller in number than passive secularists, active secularists are highly engaged in politics, comprising a sizeable share of the Democratic Party's activist base.