American Constitutional Faith and the Politics of Hermeneutics

Abstract

As more debates in American politics become constitutional questions, effective citizens must engage in constitutional interpretation. While most Americans venerate the Constitution as a part of a national, civil religion, levels of constitutional knowledge are also very low. In this paper, we analyze how ordinary Americans approach the task of constitutional interpretation. An analysis of two cross-sectional surveys indicates constitutional hermeneutics are a product of political factors, religious affiliation, and biblical interpretive preferences. We also present the results of a survey experiment where the manipulation of a clergy's interpretation of a biblical passage affects how respondents interpret both scripture and the Constitution, providing a potential causal mechanism for learning how to engage in hermeneutics.

The Religious Communication Approach and Political Behavior

“…Though people disagree profoundly about specific beliefs and values—this is one reason why there are hundreds of denominations in the United States—it is clearly in the purview of clergy to talk about them. Living consistent with those beliefs and values entails analogous thinking across life's decisions, which would loop in politics (Lewis et al, 2020). Following an inclusive path to grow the congregation analogizes to inclusive politics that welcomes the stranger, cooperates with others (including other nations), and tolerates diverse groups.…”