Why don’t European conservatives do religion like MAGA Republicans in the US? This video takes a deep dive into one of the most striking contrasts in global politics: how American conservatism openly embraces religion while European politics often keeps faith at arm’s length.
From Donald Trump and the MAGA Republicans to leaders like Giorgia Meloni in Italy, we explore how religious influence shapes conservative ideology on both sides of the Atlantic and why it plays out so differently. In the US, Religion in politics is not just tolerated; it’s celebrated, with conservative values often tied directly to Christian beliefs. Whether it’s debates over abortion, same-sex marriage, or education, church and state are frequently intertwined.
The Trump administration leaned heavily into this connection, appealing to millions of voters who see conservative ideology as inseparable from their faith. For MAGA Republicans, cultural conservatism is powered by Christian identity and a strong belief that America is, and should remain, “one nation under God.”
But why doesn’t the same dynamic exist in the European Union?
The video explores the legacy of European politics, where revolutions, wars of religion, and centuries of Catholic versus Protestant conflict left politicians hesitant to mix God with governance.
In much of Europe, leaders feel queasy about invoking religion. Political commentary in countries like France, the UK, or Germany often emphasises secularism, with many on the left arguing that religion has no place in modern governance.
This approach stems from a deeply rooted cultural history, one that prioritises the separation of church and state far more strictly than in US politics. That doesn’t mean religion has disappeared from European politics entirely.
We look at examples of cultural conservatism resurfacing in Poland, Hungary under Viktor Orbán, and Italy under Giorgia Meloni — where conservative values rooted in Christianity still influence policy. Is this a sign of a religious revival in European politics? Or just isolated examples against a broader trend of secularisation across the European Union?
The video also digs into pressing questions around faith and politics: Should religion remain private, or is it an essential part of political life? What do you think? Should God and politics mix — or should church and state remain separate? Join the debate in the comments.
Hero of the Week: Giorgia Meloni, respected across Europe, unapologetically Christian, and a symbol of conservative values in European politics.
Zero of the Week: Karl Marx, representing the ideological roots of cultural Marxism and left-wing politics that continue to push religion out of the public square.
Under the Radar: Jimmy Kimmel’s controversy after claiming Charlie Kirk was killed by a MAGA supporter. What does this say about free speech, political commentary, and media accountability?
