The Impact of Religious and Cultural Changes on American Politics

 On February 4, Dr. Robert P. Jones, the CEO of Public Religion Research Institute, spoke to Elon students and faculty members regarding the impact of religious and cultural changes on American politics. Dr. Jones conducted research that analyzed correlations between race, culture, and politics over the years. Dr. Jones concluded that there could be an end of white christian America. America is no longer a white Christian nation and it has increasingly become more diverse. Evidence demonstrates that Americans who identified as Protestant has decreased from 1974, while Americans who identified as unaffiliated increased. Anxiety over culture has also changed during the last few years. Dr. Jones' study found that there has been increased anxiety in America regarding immigrants, muslims, and race. For example, in 2015, 48 percent of Americans are bothered by people who speak little to know English compared to 40 percent in 2012. Since people are anxious over cultural differences and immigration, many Americans may place their votes on a presidential candidate who will promise an end to terrorism and illegal immigrants. This study can relate to our discussion in class about culture and religion. After Alexander the Great's death, Jews began to take gentile customs. Antiochus built a gymnasium where men begin to remove the marks of circumcision. During this period, some embraced Hellenism (the spread of greek ideas and customs), while others rejected it. The rejection of Hellenism led to the emergence of the messianic movement. The rejection, fear, or disapproval of another culture began to form a new movement that would later turn into a widespread religion. Many Americans today, just as the jews who rejected Hellenism, demonstrate tension towards other cultures. If tension continues, another movement has the potential to form. Already in America, we can see that white Christianity is beginning to decline. Will a new movement begin to emerge?