last week, I discussed how political parties aim to attract religious voters, highlighting that this task is becoming increasingly complex as the nation grows more religiously diverse and less religiously active.
In this evolving landscape, party leaders, including prominent politicians, must navigate the challenge of resonating with Christians without distancing non-Christians, and appealing to religious voters while not alienating those who are nonreligious.
Currently, this balancing act is more evident within the Democratic Party than the Republican Party, largely due to its greater religious diversity and a higher proportion of individuals who identify as religiously unaffiliated.
Brian Kaylor, the co-author of “Baptizing America: How Mainline Protestants Helped Build Christian Nationalism,” provided valuable insights for my analysis. He explained how political leaders, particularly at last week’s Democratic National Convention, can engage with religious voters without being overtly religious by referencing biblical principles in a more generalized manner.
Kaylor observed that several speakers at the DNC invoked biblical themes without directly quoting scripture, choosing instead to emphasize universal moral principles rather than explicitly Christian teachings.
“They’re using religious language in a way that resonates without being overly preachy,” Kaylor explained, as I noted in my article.
Kaylor elaborated on this in a social media post, comparing the Bible verses most frequently cited at the Republican and Democratic National Conventions.
The list for Republicans featured four specific Bible verses, while the Democrats’ list included two specific scriptures and two general faith-based teachings.
Frequently Cited Bible Verses at the Republican National Convention:
Matthew 5:14 — “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden.”
Esther 4:14 — “And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?”
Ephesians 6:11 — “Put on the full armor of God.”
Isaiah 54:17 — “No weapon formed against you shall prosper.”
Frequently Cited Bible Verses at the Democratic National Convention:
Love your neighbor.
The Golden Rule.
Psalm 30:5 — “Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning.”
Micah 6:8 — “What does the Lord require of you but to act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with your God?”
Fresh Insights: Is One Party More Welcoming to People of Faith?
Is there a discernible difference in how the Republican and Democratic parties welcome religious individuals? Recent voter insights shed light on this debate.
Meanwhile, in a different part of the religious landscape, the Swartzentruber Amish, the most traditional Amish group, are currently engaged in a legal dispute with state authorities in central and eastern Ohio. The controversy revolves around a law requiring buggies, the Amish’s primary mode of transportation, to have a flashing LED light installed on the rear, as reported by Religion News Service.
The state defends the law as a safety measure aimed at reducing accidents between buggies and cars. However, the Swartzentruber Amish argue that the requirement infringes upon their religious freedom, viewing the lights as unnecessary embellishments that conflict with their religious commitment to simplicity. They are also cautious about straying from traditional practices, which they believe are mandated by the Bible’s call to honor one’s ancestors, according to Religion News Service.