American membership in houses of worship has plummeted to below 50% for the first time in eight decades of Gallup polling, from 70% in 1999 to 47% in 2020. And that shift away from organized religion has dovetailed with the rise of an intense form of partisan politics that some see as quasi-religious – providing adherents with a sense of devotion, belonging, and moral certitude.
From MAGA devotees on the right to social justice warriors on the “woke left,” political activism that can feel “absolute” in a religious way is rampant.
Especially among young people, “if your candidate wins, you have that ecstatic feeling,” says Ryan Burge, an expert on religion and politics at Eastern Illinois University who is also a Baptist pastor. A stump speech can feel like a tent revival. Donating regularly to candidates is like tithing.
Discussion of news topics with a point of view, including narratives by individuals regarding their own experiences
Biden promised the most diverse Cabinet in history. So where are the Latinas?
He announced his third Latino Cabinet pick last week. So far, Latinas are completely absent. (Sarah Silbiger for The Washington Post; Lily illustration) Jennifer Piscopo and Anna Sampaio
Dec. 29, 2020
Dec. 29, 2020
On the same day California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) announced a Latino Alex Padilla, his secretary of state to replace Kamala D. Harris in the U.S. Senate, President-elect Joe Biden announced his third Latino Cabinet pick Miguel Cardona to head the Department of Education. Cardona is positioned to serve alongside Alejandro Mayorkas, nominated to head Homeland Security, and California Attorney General Xavier Becerra, nominated to head Health and Human Services.