Secularists: A Distinct and Powerful Political Force in America
Secular Americans are emerging as a unique and influential political force, distinct from both nonreligious individuals and traditional liberals. This is the central finding of a groundbreaking study, The secular voter: Secularism and political attitudes in the United States, by Geoffrey C. Layman, David E. Campbell, and Levi G. Allen, recently published in Advances in Political Psychology. The research, highlighted in a PsyPost article (July 25, 2024), sheds new light on the political attitudes and significance of secularists in the United States.
Defining Secularists: More Than Just Nonreligious
One of the study’s most important contributions is its distinction between secularists and the broader category of nonreligious Americans. While nonreligious individuals may simply lack religious affiliation or belief, secularists actively embrace secular values such as evidence-based thinking, the separation of church and state, and a commitment to democratic principles. This distinction is crucial for understanding the unique political role secularists play in American society.
Key Findings: Evidence-Based Thinking and Democratic Values
The research reveals that secularists are not just another subset of the political left. They are characterized by a strong commitment to evidence-based reasoning, support for science, and a robust defense of democratic norms. According to the study, secularists are more likely than both religious individuals and nonreligious non-secularists to:
- Support policies grounded in scientific evidence
- Advocate for the strict separation of church and state
- Value political tolerance and civil liberties
- Defend democratic institutions and processes
These attitudes set secularists apart from other groups, including liberals who may not share the same intensity of commitment to secular principles.
Secularists vs. Liberals: An Intriguing Divergence
While secularists often align with liberals on many policy issues, the study finds an intriguing divergence between the two groups. Secularists are more likely to prioritize rational, evidence-based approaches over ideological or partisan considerations. This means that, although they may support progressive policies, their reasoning is rooted in a secular worldview rather than traditional liberal ideology.
Furthermore, secularists demonstrate higher levels of political tolerance, even toward groups with whom they disagree. This commitment to open debate and democratic values distinguishes them from some segments of the political spectrum that may be more ideologically rigid.
Implications for Atheism and American Politics
The rise of secularists as a distinct political force has significant implications for both the Atheist movement and the broader landscape of American politics. For Atheism, the findings highlight the growing influence of individuals who not only reject religious belief but also actively promote secular values in public life. This shift could lead to greater advocacy for science education, church-state separation, and policies that reflect rational, evidence-based decision-making.
In the political arena, secularists represent a constituency that cannot be easily categorized within existing partisan frameworks. Their unique blend of support for democratic norms, political tolerance, and evidence-based policy positions makes them a critical voice in debates over the future of American democracy. As their numbers and influence grow, secularists are likely to play an increasingly important role in shaping public discourse and policy outcomes.
The Road Ahead
As the United States continues to grapple with questions of religious influence, science, and democracy, the emergence of secularists as a distinct political force offers both challenges and opportunities. Their commitment to rationality, tolerance, and democratic values positions them as key advocates for a more inclusive and evidence-driven society. For those invested in the future of Atheism and secularism, these findings provide both validation and a roadmap for continued engagement in the political process.
Read the original source at PsyPost: Secularists revealed as a unique political force in America, with an intriguing divergence from liberals.
