The Problem of Pluralism and American Civil Religion

Lecture of Dr. Nikolas K. Gvosdev

The official motto of the United States is "E pluribus unum" (Out of many, one). The United States has had to cope with three major types of pluralism since its founding, all of which have posed potential threats to American social unity.

The first was geographical pluralism--the creation of a federal system was necessary in order to reconcile the vast geographic spread of the new nation and to counteract the growth of regional sentiment. A number of the Founding Fathers were acutely aware of the need to develop a sense of "American" or "continental" identity, especially Benjamin Franklin.

The second was political pluralism--the growth of political parties and factions among Americans that might threaten to divide the new nation. In the 1790's, the added fear was that American political factions might ally themselves with foreign powers and divide Americans one from the other, especially with the linkages between Democrat-Republicans and France versus Federalists with their pro-English sentiments.

Finally, ethnic and religious diversity in America posed a potential threat to the creation of a single, American national identity.

To an extent, the geographic issue was dealt with by promoting the virtue of cooperation--that the federal republic was the best instrument for preserving the liberties of all Americans, and that the Union was not simply a political arrangement but a sacred covenant in defense of liberty. Noah Webster also played a key role by developing standard American educational texts (among them a dictionary and Readers) which stressed a common American heritage.

President Jefferson, in his First Inaugural Address, sounded the theme of 'bipartisanship' when he declared that "We are all Republicans, We are all Federalists." Jefferson intimated that there were certain political ideals and policies which all Americans held in common and set the stage for the belief that while there were going to be 'legitimate' policy disagreements among Americans, that there were certain American interests that all Americans would hold in common (or, if they did not, then they could be cut out of the herd and isolated as being 'un-American.')

For both of the above types of pluralism, the development of a notion of a generic "American way" could serve as a basis for social unity.

A sense of the "American way" has also provided context for dealing with religious pluralism, that people, even of different religions, would have certain common values (usually translatable into civil religious terms as "good citizenship"). The Boy Scouts provide an excellent example of finding common ground within religious pluralism:

Scout Oath (or Promise)

Scout Law

TRUSTWORTHY

A Scout tells the truth. He keeps his promises. Honesty is part of his code of conduct. People can depend on him.

LOYAL

A Scout is true to his family, Scout leaders, friends, school, and nation.

HELPFUL

A Scout is concerned about other people. He does things willingly for others without pay or reward.

FRIENDLY

A Scout is a friend to all. He is a brother to other Scouts. He seeks to understand others. He respects those with ideas and customs other than his own.

COURTEOUS

A Scout is polite to everyone regardless of age or position. He knows good manners make it easier for people to get along together.

KIND

A Scout understands there is strength in being gentle. He treats others as he wants to be treated. He does not hurt or kill harmless things without reason.

OBEDIENT

A Scout follows the rules of his family, school, and troop. He obeys the laws of his community and country. If he thinks these rules and laws are unfair, he tries to have them changed in an orderly manner rather than disobey them.

CHEERFUL

A Scout looks for the bright side of things. He cheerfully does tasks that come his way. He tries to make others happy.

THRIFTY

A Scout works to pay his way and to help others. He saves for unforeseen needs. He protects and conserves natural resources. He carefully uses time and property.

BRAVE

A Scout can face danger even if he is afraid. He has the courage to stand for what he thinks is right even if others laugh at or threaten him.

CLEAN

A Scout keeps his body and mind fit and clean. He goes around with those who believe in living by these same ideals. He helps keep his home and community clean.

REVERENT

A Scout is reverent toward God. He is faithful in his religious duties. He respects the beliefs of others.

Another way in which pluralism is reconciled to the American way is for diverse religious groups to adopt similar and familiar patterns. Catholics, Orthodox Christians, Jews, Muslims, and Hindus in America have all, to some form or another, adopted the dominant American Protestant model in certain areas. Reducing ornamentation, setting up Sunday schools or church youth and women's groups (which may have never existed in the "old country"), using familiar terms (minister, church, etc.) to describe one's organization, even adapting architecture and other physical locators (pews, etc.) or instituting certain offices (e. g. ushers)--all of these are ways in which new religious groups seek to adapt to the "American way" and help to reduce certain signs of difference. The way in which Muslims, Jews, and Hindus have all tried to adapt minor religious festivals of their own calendar to cope with the celebration of Christmas is also indicative of this assimilative power.