Defectors Episode 3: Make America Holy Again: The Hypocrisy of Weaponizing Religion in Politics
https://youtu.be/JMHxdCj02ww
Introduction:
The phrase “Make America Holy Again” sends shivers down my spine—not because it invokes religion, but because of what it represents. In Defectors by Paola Ramos, a pastor advocating this slogan uses it as a rallying cry for political manipulation. Reading this chapter forced me to confront the contradictions between the principles this nation was built on and how religion is being weaponized today.
If America was founded on the promise of religious freedom—freedom from persecution, from state-imposed beliefs, and from the violence associated with forced conformity—then how did we get here? How did religion, the very thing people fled to protect, become a tool to oppress and manipulate?
The Foundations of Freedom
The founding fathers designed the United States to be a refuge for those escaping religious persecution. They envisioned a country where individuals could freely practice their faith—or choose not to—without fear of violence or discrimination. The First Amendment of the Constitution enshrined this vision, guaranteeing freedom of religion as a cornerstone of American democracy.
This wasn’t just a lofty ideal; it was born from the lived experience of European settlers who had seen firsthand the dangers of intertwining religion and state. They sought to create a new world where religion wouldn’t dictate politics or limit individual freedoms.
Religion as a Political Weapon
Fast-forward to today, and slogans like “Make America Holy Again” reveal just how far we’ve strayed from these principles. Religion is no longer just a personal or communal practice; it’s been co-opted as a political weapon. Leaders and influencers use religious rhetoric to rally voters, often creating a false narrative that equates faith with patriotism and loyalty to a particular candidate.
This messaging does more than alienate those with different beliefs—it infringes on the freedoms it claims to protect. It pressures individuals to conform to a singular vision of morality and faith, eroding the diversity and liberty that define America.
The Hypocrisy of It All
The hypocrisy is glaring. Those who champion slogans like “Make America Holy Again” claim to uphold American values while simultaneously undermining them. The founding fathers’ vision was clear: religion should not be a tool of the state or a mechanism for political control. Yet today, it’s being used to enforce ideological conformity, influence elections, and deepen divisions.
This isn’t about faith—it’s about power. And it’s a betrayal of the very freedoms that those early settlers fought to establish.
Final Thoughts
Reading this chapter of Defectors by Paola Ramos felt like staring directly at a truth we don’t want to acknowledge. The misuse of religion in politics doesn’t just harm those being manipulated—it damages the fabric of our democracy.
If we’re to preserve the freedoms America was built on, we need to push back against this hypocrisy. Let’s honor the principles of the Constitution and fight for a nation where everyone, regardless of their faith or lack thereof, is free to live without fear or coercion.
What are your thoughts on this intersection of religion and politics? Let’s discuss in the comments—because this is a conversation we need to have.
*remember the recordings here are spur of the moment thoughts sprouted by memories and emotions triggered by the book as I listen and read it. Please join in on the conversation.
