Executive Summary
The Story So Far
Why This Matters
Who Thinks What?
A striking divergence in the role of religion within conservative politics is evident across the Atlantic, with American MAGA Republicans openly embracing faith as a core component of their ideology, while their European counterparts largely maintain a distance between religion and governance. This contrast, deeply rooted in historical and cultural developments, highlights distinct approaches to the separation of church and state in the United States and the European Union.
American Conservatism and Faith
In the United States, religion is not merely tolerated in politics but often celebrated, with conservative values frequently tied directly to Christian beliefs. Debates surrounding issues such as abortion, same-sex marriage, and education often see church and state intertwined in political discourse.
President Trump’s administration notably leveraged this connection, appealing to millions of voters who view conservative ideology as inseparable from their faith. For many MAGA Republicans, cultural conservatism is powered by Christian identity and a strong belief in America as “one nation under God.”
European Secularism and Historical Legacies
The dynamic in the European Union presents a stark contrast, largely due to a distinct historical legacy. Centuries of revolutions, wars of religion, and intense Catholic versus Protestant conflicts have fostered a deep-seated hesitation among European politicians to integrate religious beliefs with governance.
In much of Europe, leaders often express discomfort with overtly invoking religion in political discourse. Countries like France, the United Kingdom, and Germany frequently emphasize secularism, with many on the left advocating for religion to remain outside modern governance. This approach reflects a cultural history that prioritizes a stricter separation of church and state compared to the US political landscape.
Resurgence of Faith-Based Conservatism in Europe
Despite the broader secular trend, religion has not entirely vanished from European politics. Examples of cultural conservatism rooted in Christianity continue to influence policy in specific nations.
Poland, Hungary under Viktor Orbán, and Italy under Giorgia Meloni demonstrate instances where conservative values with Christian underpinnings play a significant role. This raises questions about whether these are isolated examples against a backdrop of wider secularization or potential signs of a more widespread religious revival in European politics.
A Transatlantic Divide
The fundamental difference in how religion shapes conservative ideology on both sides of the Atlantic underscores divergent historical paths and cultural values. While the US often sees a fusion of faith and politics, Europe generally maintains a more cautious, secular stance, continually navigating the complex question of religion’s appropriate role in public life.
