Your columnists explore a recent trend of faith and happiness among voters.
Religious groups have always been an important voting bloc for either party to secure support from. In the most recent presidential election, Trump saw a surge in support among these groups. In light of the Charlie Kirk assassination and other events, many have reported on a resurgence or revival of Christianity in America. How could this impact politics moving forward?
Cowley: Faith is an important element in the success of any society. It’s the belief in a higher power that makes one strive to “do good,” and an understanding of heavenly and eternal accountability that deters self-interested acts of evil.
President Donald Trump said he believes his life was saved from an assassin’s bullet by the grace of God. Erika Kirk showed Christian courage by doing the most Christlike thing imaginable, forgiving her husband’s murder. Vice President Vance said the passing of Kirk made him more comfortable vocalizing his faith. Even Secretary of State Rubio bore his testimony publicly at Kirk’s memorial. This outpouring of faith has helped increase my own testimony of our Savior. I hope this is more than a temporary moment, that it is a lasting shift toward our nation embracing Christian principles.
In 2008, Barack Obama said about rural (assumedly conservative) Americans, “They cling to guns or religion.” This observation is truer than ever, and frankly, we’re darn proud of it.
People of faith have long been treated as a demographic to be courted by either party with performative visits to churches and congregations and pandering at the national Prayer Breakfast. Now, churchgoers are the soul and identity of the Republican Party, putting Christian values at the center of policy decisions.
Pignanelli: “What I think I see evolving is big. The [Charlie Kirk memorial] was a stepping forward in a new way of Christians and the Republican Party.” — Peggy Noonan
The history of our country, from before the founding of the Republic, is replete with regular religious revivals. Typically, they accompanied major societal transformations.
Over the last decade, surveys have consistently indicated a decline in church attendance and an increase in the number of individuals identifying as “nones” in responses to questions about religious adherence. However, that category has been flatlining, and there is evidence of increased attendance at churches and heightened interest in prayer and spiritual communities.
America’s most popular modern philosopher, Arthur Brooks, was in Salt Lake City recently and predicted a resurgence of American religious values.
Due to technological advancements and evolving social norms, America is undergoing a historically significant transformation. We observe this in the realignment of political parties and the restructuring of education and methods of communication, among other areas. Historical evidence suggests that such dynamics are driving a resurgence in religion.
Political parties (and religious organizations) that understand this shift and incorporate it into their messaging will flourish. Regardless of one’s religious beliefs, this dynamic suggests that many Americans are using faith to maintain hope in the country and in their fellow citizens.
Pollster Nate Silver conducted a study about the reported happiness of political affiliations. Fifty-one percent of conservatives reported “excellent” mental health, as opposed to 20% of liberals. What can this chasm in joy and fulfillment be attributed to?
Cowley: Conservatives are #winning on multiple fronts. Every survey indicates the Republican base is growing while the Democratic base is shrinking. This survey demonstrates far better mental health in conservatives vs. liberals. If conservatives really are happier, succeeding in political battles and growing their ranks, it is worth examining what they are doing right to yield such positive outcomes.
Republicans have a plan. They are acting on it and are beginning to see results. Democrats are rudderless and without direction, left only to fold their arms and try to discredit Republican actions. Liberals’ negativity as a sign of solidarity against the current regime isn’t helping their cause. Foot-stomping and complaints don’t build a successful political party.
Of note, young voters from both parties report the lowest levels of happiness. This could be caused by a multitude of factors, including economic constraints and the elusive dream of homeownership. This is something neither party should ignore.
Pignanelli: Republicans control the White House and Congress while conservatives dominate the Supreme Court. Their ideological counterparts in the states are aggressively pursuing mutual objectives. This should significantly contribute to the happiness of right-of-center citizens. Furthermore, left-of-center citizens often overlook how far our nation has progressed, with both Democratic and Republican leaders, in advancing the interests of fellow citizens.
Regardless of our affiliation, we should all be grateful and happy to live in 21st century America.
How does Utah play a role in these trends?
Cowley: Visitors, transplants and multigeneration natives are likely to agree that Utah is safe, clean and family friendly. It is hard to separate the benefits of the Beehive State from the influence of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. These lived values make Utah a standard to be replicated.
Pignanelli: Arthur Brooks believes the unfortunate shooting at UVU provides an opportunity for Utah to demonstrate to the world how a faith-based community confronts these challenges with grace and love for others. I have no doubt that this will be achieved.