Argumentative Essay On Civil Religion

The civil religion of a country highlights the achievements of the country. “…

America’s civil religion celebrates a mythic interpretation of the country’s origins,

heroic figures, and ultimate destiny” (3, Fulmer). America believes the active

promotion of freedom, human rights, democracy, and peace. “ Briefly, America’s civil

religion is the celebration of a particular sacred past, the narrative of which contains

accounts of destined individuals, and foretells a special destiny for the country,

provided its inhabitants remain faithful to their legacy. (4, Fulmer). It is by this

belief that the sanctity of the home and Christian right found its way into the

American foreign policy. American’s believe their foreign policy is

People believed that Reagan stood for

something; he stood for America. “Reagan’s presidential discourse was filled with

examples of civil religion; his rhetoric appeared to be one lengthy, unbroken

tapestry of American heroic figures and deeds” (6, Fulmer). Reagan believed in the

unity of a country. Thus, Reagan’s rhetoric defined, promoted, and supported the

American Civil Religion. The issues were not about being a democrat or a republic.

The point and purpose was to promote the great nation of the United States, and

instead of apologizing, to encourage her people to take pride in the flag to which

they pledged. “He was more than a High Priest of the religion; he was its most vocal

evangelist” (5, Fulmer). Reagan used the promotion of the civil religion to engage

the people. The engagement and enthusiasm of the people provided support for the

American Foreign Policy. Reagan wanted to promote democracy, freedom, peace,

and all that America stood for throughout the world. Mainly, he wanted to

He incorporated

religion into every speech, and he promoted the people. Reagan’s success with the

American Civil Religion was evident in his forms of communications. Reagan knew

how to read and interpret his audience, and thus he was able to promote the civil

religion.

The combination of church and state is difficult to achieve, but, at the same

time, has always been a part of American politics. Reagan knew this, and instead of

hiding from the obvious, Reagan promoted the civil religion. Reagan used the civil

religion as the main focal point in American Foreign Policy. It was pride in the state,

a conviction in the Creed, and engagement of the people’s issues that allowed

Reagan the establish success. Understanding that a Foreign Policy cannot exist

without religion, was the key to reignite the passion of a country. America has been

charged as the world’s Super-Power. It is a title that each country both loathes and

respects. Without American influence, certain world problems would simply not be

solved. Reagan knew the significance of America and the American Civil Religion

within the world, and the promotion of peace and freedom is, and was, its leading