TP O'Mahony: Link between religion and politics in the US is unique in the West

The US has a unique relationship between religion and politics, with candidates often using their religious credentials to appeal to voters. This phenomenon is distinct from other Western countries, including Europe, where secularization is more prevalent.
The US has a distinct blend of religion and politics, with the Trump administration exemplifying this trend. The country's intense religiosity, unlike Europe's secularization, forces candidates to 'play the God card' to be elected. Historically, the US has seen itself as 'God's own country,' a notion rooted in the 17th-century Pilgrims' religious zeal. This interplay is unique among Western nations. Former US Secretary of State Madeleine Albright argued that religion cannot be kept out of politics, as it motivates people and shapes their views on justice. The US Constitution separates church and state, yet religion remains integral to American life and politics.
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