Understanding the Religious and Political Landscape of the 2024 Election
5 Minute Read
Mount Rushmore
In a recent episode of A Pastor's Newspaper, we dive into a topic that merges faith, politics, and society. We’ll be examining the religious affiliations and beliefs of the candidates in the upcoming 2024 U.S. presidential election, focusing on the diverse religious backgrounds of Kamala Harris, Donald Trump, and their running mates. Religion has long been a staple of American political discourse, and this election continues that tradition, with candidates across the spectrum claiming religious identities that play various roles in shaping their campaigns and policies.
Kamala Harris: A Blend of Religious Diversity
Kamala Harris, now the Democratic Party’s nominee for president, has a complex religious background that reflects her multicultural heritage. Harris was born to a Christian father and a Hindu mother, giving her a personal connection to multiple faith traditions. Despite this diverse background, she identifies as a Christian and is a member of the Third Baptist Church of San Francisco under the leadership of Rev. Amos Brown.
Rev. Brown has described Harris as having "good religion" because she is a uniter, not a divider. His characterization of her faith reflects a broader view often seen in liberal Christianity, where religious beliefs are used to promote unity and social justice. While distinct from traditional evangelical Christianity, this approach resonates with many progressive voters.
Harris's personal life also reflects this religious diversity—she is married to a Jewish lawyer, Douglas Emhoff, which adds another layer of interfaith dynamics to her public persona.
Donald Trump: From Presbyterian Roots to Non-Denominational Christianity
Donald Trump’s religious journey has also been a subject of public interest. Raised in the Presbyterian tradition, Trump now identifies as a non-denominational Christian. However, unlike many candidates in the past, Trump’s religious practices seem more private and sporadic. While he has occasionally attended church services, such as at McLean Bible Church in Northern Virginia during his presidency, his religious involvement appears limited.
Despite this, Trump has been a strong advocate for religious liberty, particularly aligning with evangelical voters on crucial issues like abortion. His policy positions and actions as president—such as supporting religious freedom and conservative judges—have endeared him to a significant portion of the evangelical community, even though his personal faith practices may not align with traditional church attendance or public displays of piety.
His running mate, JD Vance, presents another interesting religious dynamic. Vance, who converted to Catholicism in 2019, was previously an atheist. His wife is Hindu, adding further religious diversity to the ticket.
Faith in Politics: A Consistent Theme
One of the most notable elements of American politics is the enduring presence of religion in public life. For over 250 years, presidential candidates have often emphasized their Christian beliefs. This election is no different. While the candidates come from different religious backgrounds and display varying levels of devotion, the religious identities they claim play a role in shaping their public image and policy positions.
The Democratic Party, with Kamala Harris and her running mate, Tim Walz, presents a liberal Christian perspective. Walz, a Lutheran, belongs to the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), a denomination known for its progressive views, including support for same-sex marriage and the ordination of LGBTQ clergy. This positions the Democratic ticket as one that appeals to voters who align with more progressive social policies.
Meanwhile, the Republican ticket, featuring Trump and Vance, caters to a more conservative religious base, with a focus on traditional values, religious liberty, and opposition to abortion. This alignment with evangelical concerns, even in the absence of personal solid religious practices, has been a defining feature of Trump’s appeal to this voter bloc.
The Role of Religion in the 2024 Election
As the 2024 election approaches, it is clear that religion will continue to play a significant role in shaping the candidates’ platforms and how they connect with voters. Abortion, religious freedom, and the role of faith in public life will likely be critical issues on the campaign trail. Harris, Trump, and their respective running mates each bring unique religious backgrounds to the table, reflecting the diversity of the American electorate.
It remains to be seen how much these religious identities will influence voter decisions in the months leading up to the election. However, one thing is sure: religion, as always, will be a significant factor in the political discourse of the United States.
