The Evolution of Christian America: Christianity in Presidential Discourse, 1981–2013

Authors

  • Kevin Coe University of Utah
  • Sarah Chenoweth Pittsburg State University

Keywords:

presidential discourse, Christianity, identity, context theory, Obama

Abstract

Commentators have been quick to note the declining number of self-professed Christians in the United States and view this as the end of “Christian America.” Such observations are overstated, but it is clear that Christian America—understood as a communicative construct—is undergoing a substantial evolution. This article traces that evolution via a content analysis of every explicit mention of Christianity in presidential communications from 1981 to 2013—more than 2,200 mentions in all. We argue that shifts in religious identification, political engagement, and global affairs make it likely that recent presidents have altered their Christian discourse. In particular, we find that recent presidents have emphasized linkages between Christians and those of other faiths or no faith at all, but deemphasized linkages between Christianity and America’s heritage.

Author Biographies

Kevin Coe, University of Utah

Kevin Coe (Ph.D. 2008, University of Illinois) is Assistant Professor of Communication at the University of Utah. His research focuses on the interaction of American political discourse, news media, and public opinion. His work has appeared in such journals as Journal of Communication, Political Communication, and Public Opinion Quarterly.

Sarah Chenoweth, Pittsburg State University

Sarah Chenoweth is an instructor at Pittsburg State University. Her research focuses on political discourse.

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Published

2015-03-13

Issue

Vol. 9 (2015)

Section

Articles

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