Excepting Exceptionalism: American Religion in Comparative Relief

Abstract

American religion is a major component of the triumphal exceptionalism that has long set the United States apart from other nations. Our frequent label as the world's most religious advanced nation has given pride to many citizens, if not to all. This article offers a reassessment of the claim in the context of a larger cross-national investigation of religion, politics, and the state in some 14 countries around the globe. With this as a comparative backdrop, the article examines three putative sources of uniqueness: our civil religion (versus our separation of church and state); our religious organizations and congregational style; and our high levels of individual religious belief and behavior. The article concludes that America's uniqueness is overstated and constitutes more a matter of kind than degree.