CIVIL RELIGION IN AMERICA: BASED ON ROBERT BELLAH’S THEORY

This article analyzes the emergence and development process of the concept of civil religion, particularly based on Robert Bellah's theory, and the situation in American society. The views of classical theorists such as Jean-Jacques Rousseau and Émile Durkheim are included in the article, and the role of civil religion in social integration and the formation of national identity is emphasized. Various theories and approaches related to civil religion in the United States are discussed. First, it tries to understand how this society formed a civil religion, considering the founding of American society and the coming together of various cultures. The religious and cultural symbols used in the foundation of the United States, especially comparisons related to figures such as George Washington and Abraham Lincoln, show how America's national identity created harmony with religious elements. Bellah’s work "Civil Religion in America" extensively studies the concept of civil religion and presents a unique belief system of the United States related to religion, national identity, and the sacred mission of the state. This civil religion, without being related to any specific religious denomination, incorporates the shared beliefs and values of a particular people. Bellah emphasizes that this civil religion constitutes the foundation of the American state structure and the spiritual connection felt by every citizen. It analyzes the development of civil religion in America and how it influences various aspects of society. In addition, it brings to the agenda the changes and problems Bellah's theory faces in contemporary American society.