In times of uncertainty we turn to the one thing we know, our past.
In times of uncertainty we turn to the one thing we know, our past. So, it is no surprise that in the current climate more of us are turning to tradition and religion to find comfort in the turbulence.
Looking at the deification of Trump and the cult of personality built around him there does appear to be the desire for certainty and an openness to engage with structures commonly seen in organised religion. Nurturing supporters across all demographics, Trump has built a clear community and has a strong presence in everyday life, suggesting that there is the call for a greater sense of unity and meta narrative. This works in opposition to earlier social trends that involved rejecting meta narratives and instead promoted independence.
Whilst Trump has garnered a wide range of support his presence is of particular importance to young men, this same group being the most enthused about religion. For some men, religion does not just provide existential reassurance but also works to provide a personal and identity-based certainty. The culture of organised religion often nurtures a clear hierarchy and sense of place, this providing a sense of order to what is otherwise a deeply chaotic existence. Considering that at present there seems to be greater upheaval for masculine identity and gender roles, it may be the certianity provided by religion that answers for the rise in young men engaging with religion. Whilst nuance must be applied to this there is still a resonance to traditional gender roles in Christianity, something that satiates the need in some for clear purpose and identity.
Placing particular focus on the ‘Manosphere’ Trump’s campaign founded itself on traditionally gendered ideas and duties, suggesting the rise of religion is of greater symbolic relevance than of scriptural. For some, the interest in religion is theological but this current rise does seem to be more of an emotive motivation, that being the desire for safety and certainty rather than the Bible itself.
Religion also reinstates a sense of duty and purpose that many have felt is missing in current society. As gender roles become more fluid and social, and economic pressures force family life to change, the certainty of religious ideas on life and behaviour bring order back. For some men, it is this order that entices them to religion, suggesting this turn to religion seems to be less about theology and more about the certainty and comfort religion can provide. Comparatively, young women are becoming steadily less engaged in religion highlighting the importance of social context in the move towards religion.
The conservatism of Trump acts as rebellion to secular norms and so the overlay between his popularity and increased religious engagement holds a logic. Working towards the past the politics of Trump shows an increased enthusiasm for traditional ideas and practices, with religious affiliations being the center of this. With this movement self-identifying as ‘counterculture,’ the emphasis on traditional ideals takes an offensive stance and focuses more on political needs than theological.
Relying on a heavy filtering of scripture, Trump’s religion is not one of love and charity but is instead more resonant of the Old Testament. The manipulation of religious structures and ideals is common in extremist politics and so in this respect the rise of religious engagement is not surprising. Establishing politics in tradition gives legitimacy to ideas and in doing so makes Trump harder to challenge
Trump’s behaviour has forced religion, especially Christianity, to reevaluate how it functions in society. For more traditional leaning churches Trump’s ideology works as an extension of their own ideology, but for more liberal churches the work of Trump poses a significant challenge. Previously, the understanding was the church must evolve to keep its position in society, but under Trump the stronger action appears to be staying steadfast in tradition. This disagreement is not new, the debate surrounding secularisation being a longstanding point of contention in the Church, what has changed is the urgency with which this debate is taking place. In this regard the relationship individuals have with religion today is more social than theological.
Ultimately, it seems to be certainty and comfort rather than theology that brings people back to religion. Living in a time of great upheaval we all are looking for something, whether that be certainty in ourselves, or certainty in the world. So, whether God is real or if the Church really is a place to seek certainty are not questions I can answer, but what I can say is that in a time of such turbulence it is logical to search for certainty.