Washington Post op-ed: Vance says Christianity can help US overcome division

A July 3 Washington Post opinion column explores Vice President JD Vance's argument in his new memoir that Christianity can help heal America's growing divisions, where Vance says the nation's Christian foundation offers an answer to the divisions created by secularism.

In the article titled “JD Vance makes the case for a more Christian America,” columnist Matthew Schmitz examines Vance's new memoir, Communion, describing it as both a conversion story and a broader argument that “a more Christian America would also be a more peaceful and tolerant one.”

Schmitz wrote that Vance believes the nation's growing divisions are "the fruit of secular liberalism," adding that religious decline has only exacerbated them. Schmitz pointed to rising antisemitism, anti-Christian bias, and other forms of discrimination, saying Vance sees the nation's Christian foundation as the answer.

"If an ideology,” Vance told Schmitz, “was advertised as promoting unity and openness and tolerance, and in fact it has created division and discord, maybe we should try something else. And I think that something else is to return to the Christian foundation of the country."

>> JD Vance recounts his journey ‘home’ to Catholicism in new memoir <<

Schmitz argued that Vance's vision extends beyond politics to a shared “cultural heritage” that connects Americans through generations. He wrote that the title Communion refers not only to the Sacrament but also to what Vance describes as the bond between "our ancestors and our descendants."

Schmitz also explored how the Christian worldview at the heart of Communion shapes Vance's approach to public policy. Discussing immigration, Vance said some Catholic bishops have failed to address the victims of illegal immigration, including those affected by human trafficking and public safety concerns. On abortion, Schmitz also noted Vance's support for the administration's review of the abortion drug mifepristone, writing that Vance believes officials should "let the science lead this" as they consider whether to impose additional restrictions on the drug.

Contrasting Vance's outlook with that of former President Barack Obama, Schmitz wrote that while Obama viewed the church as a place to confront America's shortcomings, Vance instead sees the nation as "an endangered inheritance" worthy of preservation.

Schmitz concluded, saying, “Being Catholic, Vance may one day enjoy the communion of the saints. Being an American, he is part of a communion of sinners, a congregation of 340 million that he wants to strengthen and preserve despite its many imperfections."