Robert P. Jones's "Impact of Religion and Culture on American Politics"

On February 4 I attended a discussion and presentation led by Dr. Robert P. Jones, CEO of PRRI (Public Religion Research Institute). Dr. Jones's presentation was divided into multiple topics, including Religious Identity & Change, Economic Anxiety & Pessimism, Cultural Anxieties, and Religion in Economics. In summary, Dr. Jones first presented graphs of religious affiliation (Protestant, Catholic, unaffiliated, non-Christian religion) in the United States between 1974-2050. Jones also showed graphs displaying racial composition for each religion and also by age. Jones later dives into politics, discussing how religious affiliation has had an effect during the voting process during national elections (eg. Presidential elections). Then, Jones mentions the political topic of immigration, presenting the religious affiliations of people that are crossing our borders and how those people impact (the diversity of) American society. Later, Jones presents on the 2004-2012 Presidential elections, illustrating vote by religious affiliation. I enjoyed this part of the presentation the most because I was able to see a trend in religious voters' political parties. Jones concludes by discussing the occurring Presidential race, illustrating if certain candidates/parties are relying on a certain religious group of voters, another fascinating topic to me.

I am very content that I attended this presentation - not only did I learn more but I think that it connects to our class, Christian Traditions. Dr. Jones's presentation relates to our class because we discuss how Christians are impacting the world in which we reside in. We are also discussing different affiliations of Christians, including their traditions, culture, politics, etc. Not much of the information or data presented by Jones surprised me; I had an idea of the trend which religious affiliation votes for which political party. During ancient and medieval times, religion was something that people were more open with, and most people were apart of a religious community. On the other hand, now most people are more private about their religion. However, I find that religion is playing a role in our society more than ever. I think that it is important to not be oblivious of how religion impacts society, even our national elections. Jones was certainly attempting to persuade the audience to be aware of different religions and cultures, and how diversity influences the leaders of our nation.

Hope this is satisfactory and understandable! Thank you.

Insights on "The 'Conversion' of Constantine"

The conversion of Constantine marks a crucial point in the progression of Christianity's success and influence. Constantine decided to follow the faith of previous emperors who believed in one God rather than multiple gods. As a result, he did what all Christians are called to do, which is to pray to God for guidance, strength, and assistance in the midst of daily struggles. After Constantine asked God for a promising fate in battle, he witnessed an incredible miracle: a cross made from light in the sky that included the inscription "Conquer by this". Of course, not all non-Christians will experience this marvelous occurrence, but this story reveals the important message that choosing to follow God is rewarding and the sole path to salvation. At the sight of this extraordinary sign, Constantine converted to Christianity since the miracle confirmed that God is real, loving, and merciful. Even though this sign was enough to validate Constantine's belief in God, he saw the same vision in his dreams that night, and this time, he was instructed to use the sign to defend himself and ward off enemies in battle. Constantine's direct prayers were answered, and God also gave this emperor the opportunity to utilize his power for religious purposes. God wanted Constantine to succeed in this fight because He had a plan for Constantine to use his prominence to spread Christianity and make it the official religion of the empire. Without Constantine's conversion, Christianity would have either taken longer to spread or would not be as prevalent as it is today. God had trust in Constantine to spark Christianity, and Constantine likewise had trust in God that He would save and protect him. This mutual exchange of faith that happened as a result of prayer is representative of the relationship Christians should have with God. Constantine serves as a noteworthy example for all Christians struggling to maintain a life devoted to conversation with God and one that aligns with His plan. All Christians should remember Constantine's story in order to live faithful, holy, and successful lives and to familiarize themselves with the history of their religion.

Religious and Racial Trends in the US

Robert P. Jones came to present data and trends of religious and racial affiliations in the United States. According to his statistics Protestants no longer make up the majority of Americans. While still not a majority, the unaffiliated continue to grow to almost a quarter of the population. This decline is attributed to the younger population, as the number of unaffiliated increases with each generation. While I did not know the exact data, none of the information presented surprised me. Just living in the United States, I can see how my generation thinks and views the older generations and I hear the older generations talking about our generation. Additionally, I don't think that this decline is a recent phenomena. During the ancient period, religion was not seen as much as a personal choice, but it was communal. By being part of a community, a person was automatically part of the religious community. In the medieval time period, the governments in Europe were tied to the Catholic church, so there was still that communal identity. Around the time of the scientific revolution and the Enlightenment, people began to look more into the natural world for natural laws, instead of depending on divine authority. At this point, faith, especially Christianity in the West, started becoming something more private. People would talk about science and the world on separate terms than they would talk about God. Since that point, governments have become more secular (although not completely secular, by any means) and faith has become something more individual and less institutional. In my opinion, all of the statistics presented fit into the trend that began at the scientific revolution.

Impact of Religious and Cultural Changes on American Politics

             Dr. Robert P. Jones is the CEO of the Public Religion Research Institute (PRRI). His company polls Americans in order to gather data about religious views. His presentation painted a picture of the current religous and cultural landscape in America using data his company has collected. He used data to explain how Americans' religious views have changed over time since the 1970s. One of the most intriguing facts presented was about the decline of white Christians. 7/10 white seniors identify as Christians as opposed to only 3/10 young adults. This shows a shift away from religion, especially among millenials. The shift away from relgion greatly impacts politics because religion usuaully dictates voting patterns. Jones's presentation relates to Christian Traditions because it highlights the powerful influence religion has in the US. Religious views are constantly changing and evolving between generations. As these views change, US politics change with it.

Logan

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?

Xenia's Notes from 2/4

2/4/2016 Notes Christian Traditions

Learn BOLDED dates.(moodle)

*Year 70 destruction of Jerusalem temple. -> memorize

Identify Places on a map (moodle)

Annotate places on a map for 2 participation points.

Know about Constantine!!

----Acts, Messiahs, and Early Christianity----

The Emergence of Christian Traditions in the first century CE

Earliest movement of Christianity sometimes called “The Way” we are unsure of when followers became called Christians in first century.

Earliest movement comes out of Second Temple Judaism Earliest Christians adopt the idea that religion is how you "walk" the world.

Second Temple Judaism 6th century BCE -> 1st Century CE

Characterized by the spread of Hellenism throughout the Mediterranean and Near East.

After destruction of first Temple

Hasmoneans rule during this time

Many rulers during this long time period

Persian, Hellenistic, Jewish, Roman

Hellenism -The spread of Greek culture

Alexander the Great

Macedonian

Lover of all things Greek

4th century BCE

Conquers much of Macedonia and Near east

Advocate of Hellenism

Uses Koine Greek as language (Common)

Koine is the language of New Testament

Spreads Religion and culture

and synchronism (The blending of religions)

Diaspora - The Dispersion of Jews

1 Maccabees - Written in Greek

Historical account of what happens after Alexander’s death

Antiochus - described as “sinful roots”

Jews taking “Gentile” customs

Building Gymnasium

Throwing away of unique Jewish Identity

Removing the marks of circumcision

Variety of ways Jews are responding to Hellenism

Some Embracing Hellenism

Some Rejecting

-Political

-Embrace of Torah-Pharisaic / Rabbinic Judaism

-Apocalypticism / Messianism  

Apocalypse - To remove a veil

Apocalyptic texts - Show how bad things have become, God will come to fix things.

Messianism - Relates to messiah / the idea of being a saviour

Messiah - Anointed one (No necessary connotation to divinity or humanity)

Gets translated in Greek as Christos and becomes             . title

1. Prophetic - Someone who calls people to reform John the Baptist
2. Royal - David
3. Priestly

^ All ways of understanding a Messiah

Gospel Writers- Wrote books about Jesus

Romans are in power in 1st century CE

Jesus doesn’t overthrow kings, He gets Crucified

Jesus not the only Messianic figure.

Many Jews at this time uninterested in a Messiah

Josephus -  best source of Jewish history

--Book of Acts

Two volumes

Second volume of Luke

Movement from Jerusalem to”ends of the world”

Ends with Paul  going to Rome

Probably written after destruction of jewish temple around 80 or 90

Jesus dies around ~ 33

Narrative with certain authorial perspective

Unfolding of earliest Christian narrative

Argument has to be made as Jesus is crucified. -Acts 5:30 -32

This argument is based upon re-reading of particular text:

Messiah like David: Acts 2:22 -36

Messiah like Moses: Acts 3:11-26

Torah Law

A

Neviim Prophets
A
Ketuvium Writings

Acts uses Psalms and Prophets to argue for Jesus as Messiah

Jesus is killed by those outside law, or Torah (Romans)

David understood as author of many of the Psalms

Acts claims Jesus fits every type of Messiah

Tanak -> Learn

Early christian community is apocalyptic, charismatic, and communal.

Charismatic - Having gifts

Pentecost - Jesus leaves and the spirit comes down into the followers.

Earliest movements understand Jewish texts, go to Temple and synagogues.

Cornelius - centurion and gentile who joins movement.

Movement quickly spreads to gentiles

Luke offers a positive view of diversity of views among earliest Christians, many conflicting perspective.

Paul -  most prolific early christian author

Jew, Persecutes early followers of christ

Writes in 50 - 60

1 Thessalonians - earliest Christian writings.

Claims he takes the movement to the gentiles not Peter.

Contradicted by Acts

"Jesus" Reads Quotes from Republican Candidates

So, if you're easily offended, you might want to steer clear of this. However, this is interesting for thinking about how Jesus and his teachings are understood in the US:  An actor portraying "Jesus" reads quotes from Republican candidates.

The humor of the piece stems from the assumption that Jesus would never say these things. The piece trades on what's supposed to be cognitive dissonance, but I'm not entirely sure if that's true. Jesus in the Gospels is pretty complex and not always a warm and fuzzy guy.  In Luke, for example, he tells his followers, “But now if you have a purse, take it, and also a bag; and if you don’t have a sword, sell your cloak and buy one" (22:36). This sounds a little like some of the quotes used on the campaign trail!