Connections Between Religion and Politics In America
Ask students: Who have evangelicals historically voted for? Why did Pastor Greg Locke back off his hard-line politically conservative stance?
An evangelical church in Tennessee is seeing strong growth as it’s leaned into hardline politics. Judy Woodruff reports on religion in the U.S. and its connection to our political divide for her ongoing series, America at a Crossroads.
Time markers:
Start of video to 02:33 for an introduction to Pastor Greg Locke and his church
02:33 to 04:37 for a brief history of the evangelical political movement
09:42 to 12:08 more from Pastor Greg Locke on the country's political division
12:08 to end of video for Pastor Ryan Burge on evangelical leaders changing direction
View the transcript of the story.
News alternative: Check out recent segments from the NewsHour, and choose the story you’re most interested in watching. You can make a Google doc copy of discussion questions that work for any of the stories here.
Key Terms
evangelical — someone who belongs to one of a group of Protestant churches that focus on promoting and spreading Christianity.
hard-line — uncompromising, firm or extreme in beliefs.
insurrection — an organized attempt by a group of people to defeat their government and take control of their country, usually by violence.
homogenous — consisting of parts or having qualities that are the same.
Warm-Up Questions
- Who have evangelicals historically voted for?
- Where was Pastor Greg Locke during the insurrection of January 6?
- What effects did COVID-19 have on the church?
- When does Pastor Greg Locke believe it's okay for a woman to have an abortion?
- Why did Pastor Greg Locke back off his hard-line politically conservative stance?
Focus Questions
Based on their responses, do you think Pastor Ryan Burge agrees with Pastor Greg Locke's views on religion in politics? How do you think religion shapes contemporary politics?
Media literacy: Given its importance in politics, do you think national media should cover religion more? Why or why not?
Alternative: See, Think, Wonder: What did you notice? What did the story make you think? What would you want to learn more about?
For More
What students can do:
Learn about how public schools in Oklahoma are being required to teach the bible, then discuss: Do you think the traditional separation of church and state in the United States is changing? In what ways?
This post was written by Gianfranco Beran, a senior at Amherst College, and an intern with PBS NewsHour Classroom, and edited by NewsHour's Luke Gerwe.
Republished with permission from PBS NewsHour Classroom.
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