Religion Scholars Analyze Divine Influence in American Politics
Academics gather to discuss faith's evolving role following the 2026 midterm elections.
1Annual Academic Gathering
The American Academy of Religion and the Society of Biblical Literature are hosting their joint annual meeting from November 21 to 24. This year, the conference focuses heavily on the political landscape following the 2026 midterm elections, where Democrats regained control of both the House and the Senate, shifting the national power dynamic.
2Scholarly Concerns for Democracy
Bradley Onishi, author of American Caesar, highlights the intersection of religion and politics during this transition. Scholars expressed deep concern regarding recent attacks on university research and funding. They argue that the erosion of higher education institutions is intrinsically linked to the broader decline of a free and liberal democratic society today.
3Faith in Political Campaigns
Matthew Taylor, a fellow at Georgetown University, observes a shift in political strategy among faith-forward candidates. Methodist pastor Adam Hamilton in Kansas and seminarian James Talarico in Texas successfully won their Senate races. These victories reflect a growing trend of candidates using religious identity to challenge established political norms and traditional power structures.
4Theological Perspectives on Power
Alba Onofrio, executive director of Soulforce Inc., emphasizes that religion remains a constant force in political discourse. She argues that believers are ultimately accountable to a higher authority rather than earthly political figures. This perspective challenges the influence of leaders who seek to consolidate power through religious rhetoric and institutionalized spiritual authority.
5Advisory Team Dynamics
Professors J. Derrick Lemons and Amos Yong examine the spiritual world surrounding Donald Trump’s faith advisory team. Their research indicates that these Pentecostal and Holiness leaders influence Trump’s views on law, science, and society. They view their support as a mission for cultural redemption and the restoration of a divinely ordained moral order.
6Pragmatism Over Moral Perfection
The study by Lemons and Yong reveals that the faith advisory team prioritizes political delivery over the personal moral flaws of the leader. They argue that the team views Trump as a vessel for achieving their specific goals. This transactional relationship suggests a complex alignment between political objectives and deeply held religious convictions.
7Protest Through Musical Expression
Beyond formal academic panels, the conference includes a session titled Singing Resistance at a local pub. The Hymn Society has invited attendees to perform protest songs, mirroring those used at anti-ICE gatherings in Minneapolis and Chicago. This event highlights how religious communities utilize music as a tool for social and political activism.
8Future of Civic Engagement
The gathering underscores the ongoing tension between religious institutions and the American political square. As scholars continue to analyze these dynamics, the focus remains on how faith-based movements influence legislative outcomes and national identity. The 2026 midterms serve as a critical case study for understanding the evolving relationship between church and state.