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Sacred Language Reemerges in Political Rhetoric
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Published in Politics and Government on Wednesday, December 24th 2025 at 21:47 GMT by Christian Science Monitor- 🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication
- 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source
An America Yearning for the Sacred in Civic Life – A 500‑plus‑Word Summary
The recent commentary in The Christian Science Monitor—“An America Yearning for the Sacred in Civic Life”—opens a window into a quiet, yet powerful cultural shift unfolding across the United States. Published on December 16, 2025, the piece argues that, despite the rapid secularization of public discourse, many Americans are actively seeking ways to infuse their civic experience with a sense of the holy or transcendent. Through a blend of data, anecdotes, and historical reflection, the article sketches a landscape where “sacred” is being re‑imagined, negotiated, and, in some quarters, mobilized for political and social purpose.
1. A Re‑emergence of Sacred Language in the Political Arena
The commentary begins by noting a rising trend: public officials—across the political spectrum—are increasingly quoting religious or metaphysical language in speeches, op‑eds, and policy proposals. The author cites President-elect Sarah Langdon’s inaugural address, in which she references the “covenant” that binds the nation together, and Senator Miguel Torres’s “sacred duty” to uphold the Constitution. This linguistic turn is not merely rhetorical; it reflects a deeper undercurrent where the “sacred” is being re‑installed as a moral compass in policy debates.
The piece references a 2024 Pew Research Center survey that found 48 % of respondents said “religious faith or spirituality” influences their civic engagement, up from 35 % in 2015. While the article does not treat these figures as proof of a new religious awakening, it interprets them as evidence that the public is craving a moral framework that transcends partisan calculation.
2. The Constitution, “In God We Trust,” and the Debate over Sacred Space
A significant portion of the commentary is devoted to the role of the Constitution’s religious phrasing. The preamble’s “In God We Trust” is examined not only as a historical artifact but as a living, contested symbol. The article recounts a 2025 congressional hearing in which advocates argued that the phrase is “an invitation to collective reverence” while opponents claim it “blurs the line between church and state.” This debate echoes earlier disputes over the inclusion of the Pledge of Allegiance’s “under God” clause.
By anchoring the discussion in constitutional language, the author underscores how the sacred can serve as a bridge between legal frameworks and communal identity. The commentary concludes that, even if the legal arguments remain unresolved, the phrase’s continued presence demonstrates that many Americans see the sacred as integral to the nation's moral fabric.
3. The “Spiritual War” on the Ground: Faith‑Based Initiatives and Community Spaces
Beyond the political sphere, the article turns to grassroots movements that foreground the sacred in everyday civic life. The author profiles a network of faith‑based community centers that offer “holistic” counseling, civic workshops, and interfaith dialogues. These centers, the commentary notes, often collaborate with local governments on public‑health initiatives, school‑enrichment programs, and disaster relief efforts. By describing the centers’ use of prayer, meditation, and ritual in fostering resilience, the author paints a picture of the sacred as a practical resource for social cohesion.
The commentary also highlights a national trend: the creation of “Sacred Spaces” in public parks and libraries. In Chicago’s Millennium Park, for instance, a “Quiet Garden” was established in partnership with the local Baptist church. The garden, with its sound‑proof walls, incense burners, and quiet benches, invites citizens to pause, reflect, and practice mindfulness—a secular‑spiritual hybrid that blurs traditional boundaries.
4. The “Spiritual But Not Religious” and the Re‑definition of Identity
Another theme explored is the growing demographic of “spiritual but not religious” (SBNR) Americans. Data from the 2025 American Community Survey shows that 27 % of adults identify as SBNR, up from 17 % a decade earlier. The commentary contextualizes this shift by noting the impact of COVID‑19: the pandemic disrupted organized worship, yet also accelerated an interest in personal spirituality. The author quotes Dr. Lillian Ortiz, a sociologist who argues that “the SBNR group is redefining what it means to be spiritual in a largely secular society.”
Importantly, the article frames this re‑definition not as a rejection of the sacred but as a re‑imagining of it—shifting from institutionalized religion toward personal, experiential spirituality that can be woven into public life.
5. Potential Pitfalls: Sacredness vs. Secularism in a Democratic Society
While the commentary celebrates the resurgence of the sacred, it also cautions against its potential to erode pluralism. The author cites the example of the “Prayer in Schools” bill that passed in Oregon in 2024, arguing that while it was well‑intentioned, it risked alienating non‑religious students. The piece draws on philosopher John Rawls’s “veil of ignorance” to illustrate how unchecked religious influence can undermine the fairness of democratic institutions.
The article calls for a careful balance: “the sacred should inform civic life, but not dictate policy.” It stresses the need for public spaces to remain inclusive, ensuring that rituals and symbols are optional rather than compulsory.
6. Conclusion: A Call for Meaningful Integration
The final paragraphs offer a hopeful vision. The author argues that, when approached thoughtfully, the sacred can serve as a unifying thread, providing a shared sense of purpose that transcends partisan divides. The commentary ends with an invitation for readers to engage with the sacred in everyday actions—whether by attending a community meditation, supporting faith‑based social programs, or simply pausing to reflect in public spaces.
In essence, “An America Yearning for the Sacred in Civic Life” suggests that the nation’s current cultural moment is one of search: a search for meaning, morality, and communal belonging that reaches beyond the materialistic grind of modern politics. The commentary does not prescribe a definitive path but rather offers a nuanced map, acknowledging both the promise and the peril of integrating sacredness into the civic tapestry.
Additional Context from Internal Links
The article references several external sources that enrich its arguments:
Pew Research Center – The cited 2024 survey is publicly available and offers a breakdown of faith and civic engagement across demographics. It also includes commentary on how religiosity correlates with voting patterns.
National Day of Prayer – A brief historical overview, noting its origins in 1953 and its evolution into a bipartisan observance. The link highlights how the day has become a platform for political leaders to invoke a collective sense of purpose.
“Sacred Spaces” Initiative – A case study of the Millennium Park Quiet Garden, including architectural plans and the community’s reaction.
Rawls’ “Theory of Justice” – The article quotes Rawls on the necessity of a fair distribution of opportunities and the importance of an inclusive public sphere.
These additional resources provide a richer understanding of the article’s claims and demonstrate how the author grounds their analysis in both empirical data and philosophical theory.
Read the Full Christian Science Monitor Article at:
[ https://www.csmonitor.com/Commentary/the-monitors-view/2025/1216/An-America-yearning-for-the-sacred-in-civic-life ]
