Written by Don Byrd
Columnist E.J. Dionne draws on the results of a recent Pew Forum survey to remind us that the relationship between religious beliefs and political persuasion is complex, a fact that is forgotten at the peril of political parties.
Non-religious Americans are a very important part of the liberal constituency, yet the majority of liberals have ties to religion. The survey found that African-Americans, who are deeply loyal to most liberal causes (and to the Democratic Party), are among the most religious people in the country. For liberalism to thrive, there needs to be acceptance and, even better, some respect across the boundaries of belief and non-belief.
Yet if liberals face obstacles when it comes to faith, conservatives have problems of their own. The most serious? The religious conservatism that is such an important component of the right and the Republican Party is deeply unattractive to the rising generation of voters. In addition, many across age groups who are quite conservative in their theological views are rather progressive when it comes to economics…
Religious beliefs do not require a particular political affiliation, no matter what political pundits presume. Conflating the two issues does a disservice to the complexities of faith and conscience.
