One Nation Under God: The Rise of Political Leaders as Religious Icons

The recent presidential elections have brought the issue of religious influence in politics to the forefront. The social and political issues facing America have become indivisibly connected to Christian beliefs and practices as political leaders such as Donald Trump have gained loyal evangelical followers through the use of religious language and relationships with Christian faith leaders. Evangelical voters are led to seek out political candidates whose policies align with both their political and religious convictions, ensuring that their religious beliefs are upheld in the government. As such, political leaders both present and past have become religious icons whose time in office reflects their followers’ social and political issues through Christianity.