Sacred Ground: The Use of Religious Rhetoric in Inaugural Addresses and State of the Union Messages

Abstract

The examination of presidential rhetoric by scholars has provided valuable insight into the nature of presidents and the presidency. This dissertation provides the first systematic analysis of the use of religious rhetoric exclusively to determine if the frequency and content of religious rhetoric has changed over time and whether this strategy is designed to increase the president\'s ability to shape the policy agenda, to enhance his electoral success or is an expression of the president\'s personal beliefs. This study uses a content analysis of the State of the Union Messages and Inaugural Addresses and historical case studies.

I argue that the use of religious rhetoric has increased over time. In addition the rhetoric is increasingly specific and more representative of the Christian religion than previously. I also conclude that Republican presidents use religious rhetoric more often than Democrats and that such rhetoric increases during periods of war. As to the use of religious rhetoric to gain an electoral advantage, I argue that presidents use less religious rhetoric during their second term when reelection is not a consideration.