The Divine Founders: Washington's Role in Civil Religion

  

    Religion has been highly influential and a major contributor to society since humans roamed the Earth. The impact that faith can have on a community can even determine the success or failure of an economy. Despite the fact of having little to no evidence of a higher being, people still choose to believe in a superior figure to guide them through life. The image shown above is of the United States first president, George Washington. He can be seen sitting in the center of the image with several other Greek Gods and Goddesses surrounding him in a circular formation. We can also see a woman warrior below him in a fighting stance with a bald eagle following her into a potential battle. She is seen holding a patriotic shield and wearing the colors of the American flag. This edited image is reminiscent of paintings for Greek mythology. We know this by the classic robed figures and symbolic items the other people are holding. Washington is meant to take the place of what would be Zeus who is the main God of Olympus. He is a very powerful being that reigns over all the other Gods and Goddesses and is even some of their fathers. In this image, the artist is making a connection between Zeus and Washington. This public figure and politician began several traditions in government that people follow to this day. He has been an incredibly powerful leader for the American people and paved the way for how our country runs. This is meant to symbolize Washington as a highly important figure and relate him to Zeus. In the same way that Zeus is meant to be the ruler, protector, and father of the people on Mount Olympus, Washington was put on this Earth to represent the American people, protect them from the oppression of the British government, and guide the citizens into a new era of freedom and liberty. 

The influence that religion has on the American government can be noticed a great deal in today’s world. In Robert Bellah’s article, “Civil Religion in America”, he presents to the reader that Americans have weaved the beliefs, rituals, and symbols of religion into politics. The idea of civil religion is that overtime, we have let the influence of Chrisitanity and other forms of religion seep into the foundation of our country. Adding slogans onto our dollars that say, “In God We Trust”, or referencing God in the Pledge of Allegiance are just a few examples of how society has allowed the divine to guide our ways of thinking. Bellah argues in his work that former President John F. Kennedy is a prime example of using God to influence his audience. In his inauguration speech, Kennedy mentions that God is the reason for him being there to lead his people towards greatness. By saying this, he means to say that he will not only carry out the will of the people, but a force higher than himself. He has an obligation to God as he believes that he was put on this Earth for a reason. The ideas of religion can be seen in several aspects of society and politics. This connection of faith to this nation provides a sense of identity and purpose for the people. Since we have these rituals that are often followed such as holidays or taking an oath under God, people are able to feel more related to these figures in government. The way the system is set up almost leads us to believe that we are being guided towards the same ideals. 

The image of Washington in the place of Zeus shows off his loyalty and dedication to the American people. This image makes me think of why people tend to fall into the path of religion in the first place. Since religion is solely based on faith, people who are more marginalized by society seem most likely to follow God’s path of life. Typically in religion, people are promised this end goal of a blissful afterlife and a reward for their good faith. Life can be severely unpredictable and unfair, but by having this idea of a figure more powerful than the average person, it provides hope of a better future. Religion can also provide a sense of unity and collectivism that marginalized people don’t often receive. In the same way that Zeus can lead his people towards good, Washington can theoretically do the same since he has been put in this position of higher power. This image of placing Washington in the position of a God is showing the viewer that they perceive the President as a protector of the country’s ambitions. 

Constantino, Brumidi. December 29, 2007. "The Apotheosis of Washington." Wikipedia. March, 2024 (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_civil_religion)

Bellah, Robert N. 1967. "Civil Religion in America." The MIT Press Vol. 96 (No. 1): page 1-21