Joe Biden, the United States’ second Catholic president, frequently garners media attention for his regular church attendance. In stark contrast, Donald Trump’s most notable church visit occurred in June 2020, during his presidency, when he walked from the White House to a nearby Episcopal church after law enforcement had forcefully dispersed protesters, who were demonstrating against racial injustice, to pose with a Bible for a photo opportunity.
The question arises: does a candidate’s religiosity influence presidential elections? Is there a significant difference between Biden, who is a churchgoer, and Trump, who is more known for brandishing a Bible?
A recent survey by the Pew Research Center revealed that a vast majority, 94% of Americans, believe it is crucial for a president to lead a moral and ethical life. However, among the 12,693 respondents, only 13% perceive Biden as “very religious,” and a mere 4% view Trump in the same light. This year’s election rematch between Biden and Trump has brought religion’s complex role in politics to the forefront. The more devout Americans consider themselves, the more alienated they feel, according to the survey.
Despite this, there’s a glimmer of hope for Biden in the survey results. The tension among the faithful, concerned about religion’s diminishing influence in public life, is palpable. Yet, if voters prioritize faith but elect candidates who fall short of embodying religious values, they contribute to their own marginalization.
Interestingly, three-quarters of Democrats do not see Biden as very religious, despite supporting him. This perception has shifted since his inauguration, when a previous Pew survey indicated that 27% considered him very religious. Media coverage of Biden’s church visits during the 2020 campaign likely played a role in shaping this perception.
The survey also uncovered that 54% of Americans are unaware of Christian nationalism, a belief advocating for government alignment with Christian doctrines. Despite significant media coverage of Trump’s endorsement of Christian nationalism, public awareness has not increased.
Moreover, the survey highlights a contradiction among white evangelicals, who, despite valuing a president who shares their beliefs, overlook Trump’s personal indiscretions because they believe he supports their cause.
Americans are divided on the influence of religion in the country, with many feeling marginalized due to their faith. This division extends to politics, where hyper-partisanship is evident even in religious discussions.
Biden finds support among Black Protestants, Jewish Americans, and atheists, who view him more favorably compared to Trump. However, Biden faces challenges, especially in navigating America’s role in Israel’s military actions in Gaza, which has caused discontent among his diverse coalition of supporters.
Trump’s recent controversial remarks about Jewish Democrats could inadvertently aid Biden by drawing criticism toward Trump. Despite Trump’s refusal to acknowledge any misstep, his campaign’s aggressive stance may alienate some voters.
In the complex interplay of religion, politics, and personal beliefs, Americans find themselves navigating a landscape where faith and governance intersect in unpredictable ways.