Colonial Echoes in the Portrayal of Religion and Politics

Aleena Afzal

Religion is one of humanity’s most powerful forces, deeply embedded in cultural identity, societal values, and political life. Around the world, the role of religion in politics shapes the formation, rebirth, and even dissolution of states, driving social movements, policies, and, at times, conflicts. While many view religion as a source of morality and guidance, its integration into politics can both unite and divide, fueling ideological divides that transcend borders.

Political scientist Samuel Huntington famously described this dynamic as a clash of civilizations, where cultural and religious identities—particularly between the East and the West—define the world’s conflicts, rather than mere politics or economics. According to Huntington, religious identity serves as a cultural anchor, and these differing values often cause friction on a global scale, highlighting an “us vs. them” mentality that persists to this day.

The secular ideals that many Western countries uphold today are relatively modern, rooted in the 17th-century Treaty of Westphalia, which ended Europe’s devastating Thirty Years’ War. This treaty marked the beginning of the Western ideal of secularism, proposing that peace and stability could only be achieved if church and state-operated independently. This shift was meant to reduce religious conflict and establish national sovereignty over religious influence, yet despite centuries of secularism, religion still profoundly shapes Western political life—sometimes openly and other times subtly.

The contradiction becomes clear when observing how Western narratives often advocate for secularism, framing it as a hallmark of progress, while still allowing religious influence to quietly but powerfully shape politics. The United States, for example, operates under a constitution that firmly separates church and state. Yet, the role of religion in American life remains strong, with powerful religious groups wielding significant influence over policies, especially on social issues like marriage, reproductive rights, and education.

This is especially evident in conservative, evangelical Christian circles that maintain a direct line to political power. This paradox—a country committed to secularism but often swayed by religious sentiment—illustrates the West’s complex relationship with religion, blurring the line between secular governance and religious influence.

The 2016 election of Donald Trump underscored this reality. Despite Trump’s relatively secular personal beliefs, he garnered significant support from evangelical Christians, who viewed his policies as aligned with their values on family, tradition, and patriotism. This support was so steadfast that even in the 2024 election, Trump’s return to the presidency for the 2025-2030 term was largely enabled by the same evangelical base, reflecting a powerful, continuing alliance between faith and politics.

Trump’s presidency is thus a modern symbol of religion’s role in American politics—its influence undeniable, even if unofficial. This resurgence of religious conservatism in the West counters the very secular principles that Western societies often champion and illustrates how religion is wielded to influence policy, despite a longstanding narrative of church-state separation.

On the other hand, when Eastern countries integrate religious elements into their governance, they are frequently met with skepticism and criticism from the West. This double standard reveals an inherent bias in how secularism is perceived, often painting the West as progressive and secular, while framing Eastern countries as “backward” or “dangerous regime” Take Iran, for example, where the government is structured around Islamic principles, which Western media and political discourse often depict as authoritarian and outdated.

This view not only ignores the historical and cultural context of governance in these regions but also imposes a Western-centric standard of secularism on the rest of the world. Western narratives often criticize Eastern nations for intertwining religion with politics, yet ignore similar religious influences within their own borders, as seen in the U.S. or countries like Poland, where Catholic values still heavily influence public policy.

This bias is deeply rooted in historical narratives shaped by colonialism. During the colonial era, Western powers framed their cultures and religions as “civilized,” often dismissing Eastern religions as inferior. These stereotypes, unfortunately, still resonate today, influencing how religions like Islam and Hinduism are represented in global discourse.

For instance, Islam is often associated with extremism and violence in Western media, overshadowing the faith’s rich traditions of peace, charity, and learning. This framing fuels Islamophobia, especially in Western societies where Muslims are often viewed with suspicion. Meanwhile, Christianity, particularly evangelical branches, is portrayed favorably, creating a cultural bias that is both historically entrenched and deeply problematic.

The implications of these portrayals extend far beyond mere perception; they influence governance and policy-making, affecting everything from immigration laws to foreign policy. In the United States, for instance, the evangelical electorate has had a profound impact on conservative policy agendas, shaping stances on issues like abortion, marriage, and even climate change. The voices of this religious base are powerful, legitimizing religious conservatism as a political force while presenting it as a form of cultural patriotism.

On the other hand, when Eastern nations pursue policies grounded in their religious values, such as family-centric policies in India or religious laws in Islamic nations, they are often seen as infringing on democratic principles. This double standard not only affects international relations but also perpetuates a biased view of what role religion “should” play in governance.

There is, however, a path forward that involves challenging these dominant narratives. Moving toward a more inclusive and balanced global discourse requires acknowledging that both Western and Eastern religions have profoundly shaped civilizations in ways that deserve respect and understanding. In both contexts, religion offers rich histories, moral guidance, and cultural cohesion that are integral to society. Recognizing this can foster greater understanding and help bridge the cultural divides that continue to separate East and West.

Moreover, there is a need for inclusive dialogue that goes beyond stereotyping and recognizes the complexities of each religion and its political influence. This means challenging media narratives that oversimplify or vilify Eastern religions and promoting a deeper understanding of the diversity within these belief systems. At the same time, it’s essential to recognize the contradictions in Western secularism and to have honest discussions about the role of religion in shaping policy, not as a force to be hidden but as one to be understood. Only through this balance can we build a more respectful and nuanced understanding of religion’s role in politics.