Christianity: A Projected Faith of Mass Manipulation

Imagine a religion that holds such power over social beliefs that even scientific evidence cannot bend its confidence. In Christianity's past, Galileo of Italy experienced the asperity of such a power as he challenged the ideas of the Roman Catholic Church. In a time when the Church reigned supreme, Catholics promoted the concepts of a geocentric universe based on several quotes from the Holy Bible. However in 1612, Galileo discovered strong evidence that supported the theory of a heliocentric universe. Knowing that this would greatly damage the credibility of the Church, the Catholics disregarded Galileo's findings and denounced the ideas of heliocentricity. Furthermore, Galileo was condemned and labeled heretical for publishing a book explaining his evidence and the clash between heliocentricity and the geocentric theory (Galileo 1). As a result, the society of the time remained ignorant to the truth. This event exemplifies the heavy influence that Christianity has secured over society, as well as the manipulation of the social belief system.

As time progressed, Christianity integrated itself into American society by becoming a significant factor in molding identities through several mediums. Largely, political documents and leaders act as a confident channel for this manipulation. However, Christian influence is also manifested through many other determinants of identity as well. Because Christianity carves its niche in every aspect of the American social identity, it remains inescapable. Christianity is a powerful piece of an elaborate puzzle that continues to shape and alter the social identities of Americans through government, culture, and mass communication.

Politics is an influential medium through which Christian guidance is vastly reflected. This concept is particularly easy to grasp when one considers that our nation was established with an idea of a separation of church and state in mind. Although some politicians would like to believe this separation exists, Christianity's influence is much too prevalent to keep them truly separate. Instead, a glimpse into early American history displays the infrangible connection between Christianity and politics.

Many political documents and oaths served as the foundation for the development of identity through authoritative persuasion. For instance, the state of Tennessee once had an especially religious article in its constitution of 1796. Article VIII, Section II said "No person who denies the being of God, or a future state of rewards and punishments, shall hold any office in the civil department of this state." (Religion 1). The state of Delaware also established a bridge between Christianity and politics through an oath of office of 1776 whereby leaders were impelled to proclaim: "I, ____, do profess faith in God the Father, and in Jesus Christ, His holy son, and in the Holy Spirit, one God, blessed for evermore; and I do acknowledge the holy scriptures of the Old and New Testament to be given by divine inspiration." (Religion 1). Clearly, these two instances exemplify an interesting relationship between Christianity and politics. Apparently, political leaders were forced to asseverate their faith in Christianity in order to hold political office. This act not only set an example for the American public, but also shaped the identity of political leaders by enforcing a religious bond.

Leaders that embraced this bond later delivered compelling speeches that echo the essence of Christian influence. Foremost, George Washington stated, "It is impossible to rightly govern the world without God and the Bible." (Religion 1). Because this man was a leader elected to represent the American people, this Christian testimonial pierces the individual and persuades him to follow its influence. Next, Harry S. Truman once stated, "The basis of our Bill of Rights comes from the teachings we get from Exodus and St. Mathew, from Isaiah and St. Paul..." (Religion 1). This statement supports the idea that American rights were contrived from the Christian bible, manipulating the social belief system from the very beginning. Finally, John Jay, first Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, stated, "Providence has given to our people the choice of their rulers, and it is the duty as well as the privilege and interest of our Christian nation to select and prefer Christians for their rulers." (Religion 1). This announcement showcases Christianity's power to persuade as the American public is inclined to believe their country is a land united by Christianity. All three comments exhibit support for the manipulation of individual identities that has steadily extended across society.

In this century, that manipulation is continually evident as Presidential candidates recently used Christian values and context to gain the support of a, for the most part, religious nation. During the 2004 Presidential Debate, Senator John Kerry said, "With faith in God and with conviction in the mission of America, I believe that we can reach higher. I believe we can do better." (John 1). Also during the third Presidential Debate in 2004, George W. Bush stated "Prayer and religion sustain me. I receive calmness in the storms of the presidency." (George 1). While each debater only briefly mentioned his faith, Bush's views on abortion and gay marriage resonated more soundly with the American people. Is it a coincidence that Bush won the election and has continued to lead this country for a second term? This instance highlights the methods by which Christianity is used to manipulate the views of society, thus shaping the identity of the individuals.

Because public schools are controlled by the government and government policies, the teaching of Darwin's Theory of Evolution in schools is a political issue as well. Christian minds like those in Galileo's case completely rule out this theory and censor it in schools (Scopes 1). In doing so, young Americans are ignorant to scientific views on the world and thus their beliefs are manipulated. Furthermore, judgment and opinion are severely hindered by such censorship. Without a choice, how are we to choose?

Of course, Christianity's grip on American identity does not end with persuasive politics and unjust censorship. For example, currency and nationalism are two other important factors of identity that flourish with Christian influence as well. Consider that several American leaders whom displayed their Christian faith through self-proclamation now appear on U.S. currency with the words "In God We Trust" hovering above the White House. Perhaps this illustration depicts the idea that money should not be idolized and Americans should instead trust in God. Consider further the words, "One nation, under God," that is constantly recited among Americans as the American Pledge of Allegiance. Seemingly, this pledge relates to the passage from the Holy Bible, "Blessed is that nation whose God is the Lord." (Religion 1). Each citizen that pledges to these words is vowing that their nation is under God, rather than above Him, and thus is sanctified. These concepts relate to Christianity and identity simply because any American citizen, regardless of what religion they practice, is pressured to recite this pledge and must use U.S. currency to survive. It seems these acts would greatly influence those identities in the supposed land of religious freedom.

While examining Christian manipulation in daily dealings like currency and the pledge, its influence in other daily aspects soars into view. For instance, several moral values and ethical standards set by Christianity have been reinforced by American laws (Badaracco 56). Laws against theft and murder are derived from passages in the Holy Bible, stating, "Thou shall not steal" and "Thou shall not kill." These morals affect identity in that they create a rule of conduct that must be followed in order to maintain a lifestyle absent of imprisonment. Furthermore, these Christian values serve as a reference for the on-going political battles involving abortion and gay marriage. The argument some pursue is that since these acts are not directly sanctioned by the Holy Bible, they are unacceptable and should be bound by the confines of law. However, interesting questions remain buried below the surface of these issues. What if Christianity did not exist? Would these individuals (manipulated by Christian values) judge these particular issues the same if they had not been condemned by a powerful Holy Scripture? Perhaps without Christianity's influence, individuals could formulate decisions regarding these issues for themselves.

Other cultural aspects of American society significantly exhibit Christian connections to identity as well. Holidays like Easter and Christmas exemplify the influence Christianity has created in traditions. While some may choose not to adhere to such customs, Easter traditions and Christmas cheer are echoed across the nation through television and the public each year. Like anything displayed on television, Christian holidays have become very popular in America. In fact, many people of different faiths have grown to enjoy the various customs of Christmas.

This has become a substantial problem dubbed by the American public and interfaith families as the "December Dilemma." The problem is that American businesses wish not to offend different religious communities with improper greetings and interfaith families fret over which holidays to celebrate. The extent of this predicament was greatly aroused late last year as the "Happy Holidays" or "Merry Christmas" dispute was highly publicized on many media networks (Williams 2). Because of such attention, many identities were manipulated. Simply watching the dilemma unfold on several repetitive television-broadcast stations would sway beliefs, create distaste, or arouse concern. Furthermore, being a Jew or Buddhist choosing to celebrate Christmas would alter an identity and perhaps change cultural customs as well.

Following the television model, Christian influence in mass communication has also become a prominent source of identity altering (Stout 34). For example, the widely publicized death of Pope John Paul II in 2005 shoved a Christian issue into the laps of Christians and non-Christians alike. His death, while tragic, was excessively covered through several media outlets. Newspapers, magazines, and news networks reported on the issue for days, if not weeks. Expectedly, such coverage became the source of identity manipulation across America as TV shows began airing "made-for-TV" movies that showcased the Pope's life, which exposed many Americans to Catholic practices and substantiated the good deeds of a Christian leader. According to Telegraph newspaper, "Website inquiries about the priesthood and other religious orders more than doubled to 846 [the month of Pope John Paul II's death]" (Iggulden 1). This increase in curiosity greatly reflects the influence that the Pope's death and its media coverage had on many identities.

Christianity is displayed in many other forms on television as well. For instance, the popular TV show called "Seventh Heaven" has been on the air for about ten years. Each year, "Seventh Heaven"is continuously approved for another season (Seventh 1). The mere popularity of the show greatly reflects the influence it has on the American people. Surprisingly, the show is about a reverend and his family facing domestic problems using Christian-based values and solutions. While the family atmosphere entices watchers, the display of Christian values and practices either informs or influences that audience. Watchers tune in each week to find out what happens next in the lives of the Camden family and are therefore constantly affected by such loyalty.

In regards to loyalty to mass communication, Christianity has also become present in the fashion realm. For instance, the WWJD (What Would Jesus Do?) phenomenon was initiated in 1989 and heavily spilled over into the 1990s. Teenagers and young adults alike were constantly seen communicating their faith through colorful woven bracelets. These popular bracelets created a fad for people to follow that made them think of what Jesus would do in any given situation. Thoughts of the Golden Rule and stories like the Good Samaritan were just some of the ideas represented by the bracelets. Teenagers at Jordon High School in North Carolina reported several instances in where the bracelets served as a reminder that "God is there to help" (Torgovnick 1). Obviously, this trend manipulated the social belief system just by asking this question. Generally in fashion a trend is in for maybe a decade, and then fades. However, the "Jesus" phenomenon has seemed to evolve. In fact, Christianity's influence in fashion is so great that shirts and bumper stickers with the words "Got Jesus?" have now began to surface. These facts greatly support the idea that Christianity spreads its influence through trends and non-verbal communication.

While all of these examples support the concept of Christianity's presence in American society, a collective opposition questions its absence. Without Christianity's influence, some believe anarchy would ensue. They suppose the American public would be a murderous society, with support of theft and violence. However, these predictions are nothing more than hasty conclusions. According to scientific evidence, humans are naturally altruistic (Marion 1). Therefore, in a given situation absent of Christian influence, there is strong indication that society would not crumble. Instead, humans would act with compassion and generosity. Nevertheless, American society will probably never experience life without Christianity.

With each discussion of Christianity's relationship to politics, culture, and mass communication, its impact becomes clearer. Christianity has become a prominent influence on American society from every angle, and through every looking-glass. Because of this stranglehold, it is now more of a working entity, rather than just a belief. What other force has penetrated every aspect of daily life and so heavily influenced identity and judgment? As supported by each explanation above, the problem is that judgment has been manipulated for so long that the choice has become invisible.

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