ABSTRACT
This chapter explores several interpretations of the relationships among religion, politics, and culture. Especially in the years after World War II, but sometimes in recent years, too, some analysts argue that what is called the civil religion thesis is really the best guide to religion as well as religion and politics in the United States. Another perspective on the relationships among culture, religion, and politics is the "unconventional partners" thesis. Although this perspective takes some inspiration from the civil religion thesis, the unconventional partners framework is broader, looking beyond the periodic rituals of civil religion to deeper manifestations of religion's relationship to American culture. The chapter explores the definition and history of the secularization perspective. Proponents of the secularization thesis argue that in our modern age, as secularism has steadily advanced in all areas of life, religion is declining in importance.
