History

History: Religion, Institutions, and Individuals

To understand how perceptions of religious philanthropic organizations evolved in America, it is important to consider America’s roots in Protestant Christianity, the religion’s shift from communitarian to divisive, the rise of secularism , and the transition to a post-secular era. By identifying when, how, and why religion became marginalized in the American public, and especially as perpetuated by the American government, we provide a snapshot of the current and future role of religion in philanthropy

Religion in the United States comes in two forms: acceptable American “voluntary, tolerant, and inclusive religion” (Invisible Religion) and unacceptable “coercive, violent, sexist religion” (Divisive Religion). Although the U.S. is a secular nation, it is built upon Protestant Christianity which has existed “invisibly” throughout American history. It is not necessarily religion or religiosity that Americans resist, but rather, established, formal religion.

In the 1940s, the American public began to perceive religion as divisive rather than unitive. Religion, particularly established religion, was interpreted by the Supreme Court as a threat against American order; implying that established religion beyond the Protestant morals and values that define the American psyche (invisible religion) are directly at odds with the goal of the American state. Recently, the political left, non-religious Americans, and non-Christian adherents are questioning the role of a solitary “invisible religion” and demanding a religiously plural system.

Originally birthed during the Enlightenment era in Western Europe, secularization is the shift in society from identifying with traditional beliefs rooted in religious values to a non-religious belief system. Secularization theory describes a shift to a non-religious belief system that minimizes the importance of religion in society and government.

Although secularization theory has been challenged by American exceptionalism, it is important to consider the societal impact of individual-level secularization. It remains unknown whether a small percentage of people leaving religion will have a substantial effect on society is still up for debate. Current research from the Pew Research Center indicates that about 3 in 10 adults are religiously unaffiliated (Smith, 2021). From this data we can hypothesize that these unaffiliated people push religion to the margins of philanthropy (Smith, 2021).

American civil society relies heavily on the activities and resources provided by nonprofit organizations as philanthropy is an essential component of democracy. Within the nonprofit community, faith-based organizations (FBOs) and secular organizations develop and sustain programs that benefit all aspects of society. The presence and influence of religion in philanthropy has evolved over the last three centuries and can be distinguished between three distinct eras: First Era (1600s, 1700s, & Late 1800s), Second Era (Late 1800s-1900s), and Modern Day (late 1900s-present day).

In modern day philanthropy, FBOs face scrutiny from a growing negative bias associated with religion, and they see less government financial support compared to their secular counterparts. Approaches to confront and address these hurdles for FBOs include increasing religious pluralism and a shared values approach applied in the interfaith community and between secular institutions and FBOs.

History

History: Religion, Institutions, and Individuals

Invisible Religion & Divisive Religion

Secularization Theory

Modern Day Religion and Philanthropy

Faith in Philanthropy resources