Georgetown backdrop

Religion in American Public Life

United States Flag and Church Steeple with Cross

American politics and policy ranging from church-state relations to immigration and the environment all have a significant religious dimension. Social and political movements are often motivated by faith or religious identity, and some of the most contentious public debates of our time revolve around moral beliefs. These resources address the changing role of religion in American public life.

Our Experts

Paul Elie headshot

Paul Elie

Senior Fellow

David Hollenbach headshot

David Hollenbach

Senior Fellow
Walsh School of Foreign Service and Department of Theology and Religious Studies

Project Spotlight

West Virginia church with garden

American Pilgrimage Project Conversations

The American Pilgrimage Project invites Americans of diverse backgrounds to sit together and talk to each other one-to-one about the role their religious beliefs have played at crucial moments in their lives. The conversations are recorded by

Religion in American Public Life A-Z Subtopics

Narrow your search for Religion in American Public Life content by selecting from this list of subtopics

Videos

February 2, 2024

American Zion: A New History of Mormonism (Video)

Duration: 55 minutes

April 18, 2023

A Conversation with Novelist Phil Klay (Video)

Duration: 1 hours 3 minutes

March 16, 2023

Christian Nationalism and the Borders of Political Community (Video)

Duration: 1 hours 3 minutes

Publications

Book February 1, 2022

Blacks and Jews in America: An Invitation to Dialogue

In this book, Senior Fellow Terrence L. Johnson and Georgetown colleague Jacques Berlinerblau explore a mystery: Why aren't Blacks and Jews presently united in their efforts to combat white supremacy?

Blog Posts

Opens in a new window