One (Multicultural) Nation Under God? Changing Uses and Meanings of the Term "Judeo-Christian" in the American Media

Broadcasting Sharia: American TV News' Illustration of Social Identity and the Emergence of a Threat

“…The unsettled position of Islam in American society is at the center of discourse surrounding Judeo-Christian identity, religious pluralism, and the boundaries of inclusion in the face of diversity (Hartmann, Zhang, & Wischstadt, 2005). As an important force in the social construction of reality, television news represents a mediated transportation of religious discourse to the public, facilitating the recognition of in-group, out-group relationships.…”

Religious Diversity in a “Christian Nation”: The Effects of Theological Exclusivity and Interreligious Contact on the Acceptance of Religious Diversity

“…Is Christianity no longer “irresistibly established” in American life? Scholars since the mid‐20th century have observed a weakening of the boundaries between religious traditions and increasing tolerance of religious differences (Alwin 1986; Glock and Stark 1965; Hartmann, Zang, and Windschadt 2005; Herberg 1960). In her account of the growth of Buddhism, Hinduism, and Islam, Eck (2001) contends that these non‐Christian faiths are increasingly legitimate ways to be American.…”

Religious Involvement, Audience Demographics, and Media Bias

“…In recent years, religion has come to be used as an orientation for partisans on both sides of assorted culture wars, and culture war debates are much more liable to be utilized by social and political conservatives as well as simply to designate the hegemonic culture core of the nation (Hartmann, Zhang, & Wischstadt, 2005). In addition, religion as a foundational aspect of American civil society and national identity stands as a clear herald to the rise of the religious right-and values-based discourse-in mainstream U.S. politics and public culture (Hartmann et al, 2005).…”

“…In addition, religion as a foundational aspect of American civil society and national identity stands as a clear herald to the rise of the religious right-and values-based discourse-in mainstream U.S. politics and public culture (Hartmann et al, 2005). Given this emerging role of religion in the public discourse, it would seem essential that media coverage of religiously charged issues be objective and unbiased.…”