This text comes from the Journal of the Scientific Study of Religion by Benjamin R. Knoll. This article shows exactly was I want to research in regards to religion and immigration policy. This article shows that one’s religious affiliation affects their political views, even in regards to immigration and other public issues. Public issues in which religious views play a role are issues such as social justice or personal mortality. One reason I thought was interesting why religion shapes one’s own immigration ideas is that religious clergy play an important role in the development of one’s opinion. Whether we admit it or not, religious clergy do have some political charge and influence on their congregations.

For instance, the Roman Catholic Church has taken the largest stance on immigration reform and policy. In most cases, the Catholic Church is supportive of pro-immigration policies and humanitarian aid. On the other hand, Evangelical Protestants  support the current laws set in place for immigration, and support those laws even if they are not “pro immigration”.

While one’s religion and denomination influence political ideas, the acts and behaviors of the individual play a larger role in their political thought. The article suggests that there is a difference between contemporary religious behavior verses traditionalist and modernist. Traditionalists are more likely to be involved in religious practice than the modernist. A traditionalist is more likely to agree with their religion’s stance on an issue than a modernist who participates less in the religious setting.

This article sums up how not only religion, but religious practice plays a role in the development of an individual’s political ideas. This article was found using the database JSTOR

Citation:

Knoll, Benjamin R. ““And Who Is My Neighbor?” Religion and Immigration Policy Attitudes.” Journal for the Scientific Study of Religion 48.2 (2009): 313-31. JSTOR. Web.