Is religion or law our nation’s shared narrative?

All cultures require a common narrative of identity in order to maintain viability. Religious narratives often serve this purpose well. Religious narratives bind people together in political community. But "we the people of the United States of America" are not bound by a common religious narrative. Our national motto, e pluribus unum, reflects our commitment to both pluralism and unity. Religious pluralism (reflected in both the Establishment and Free Exercise clauses of the First Amendment) pr

All cultures require a common narrative of identity in order to maintain viability. Religious narratives often serve this purpose well. Religious narratives bind people together in political community. But "we the people of the United States of America" are not bound by a common religious narrative. Our national motto, e pluribus unum, reflects our commitment to both pluralism and unity. Religious pluralism (reflected in both the Establishment and Free Exercise clauses of the First Amendment) pr…