A growing number of progressive Democrats are citing religious conviction as a driving force behind their calls for economic justice and action against inequality. This trend is particularly evident as candidates like Abdul El-Sayed, a Democratic U.S. Senate candidate in Michigan and a public health researcher, articulate how their faith informs their progressive political stances.
El-Sayed, who is Muslim, has stated that his faith compels him to address societal issues such as inequality. "The inspiration of holding yourself accountable to something bigger than you means for what you do for the people around you? If you can’t eat food and I have something to do about it, I better do it," he told an interfaith roundtable in Detroit. He has made "Medicare for All" a central tenet of his campaign, positioning himself against more moderate opponents.
The connection between religious faith and progressive movements is not a new phenomenon in American politics. Historical figures like Martin Luther King Jr., Malcolm X, and W.E.B. Du Bois are often cited by contemporary progressives as models for their engagement with issues of economic justice and their views on the relationship between religion and politics. The legacy of Catholic social teaching, with texts like Pope Leo XIII’s 1891 encyclical "Rerum novarum" on labor and unions, also informs this discourse.
While some Republicans and conservative commentators, such as those associated with Heritage Action for America, argue that progressive ideologies like socialism are inherently atheistic and contrary to religious principles, many progressives see no contradiction. Megan Romer, a co-chair of the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) and an ordained elder in the Presbyterian Church (USA), acknowledged that socialism can be a challenging concept for some people of faith due to historical associations with anti-religious regimes. However, she noted that many younger Americans, less influenced by Cold War-era narratives, do not hold these negative associations.
Experts suggest that the narrative linking socialism with anti-religious sentiment carries less weight among younger generations. Many individuals of faith, including Democrats, find progressive ideologies compatible with their beliefs. The Rev. Andrew Wilkes, a co-pastor in New York City, found his interest in democratic socialism ignited after witnessing how an "unjustly organized healthcare system and economy" led to a patient's death, rather than divine will.
"There’s an increasing recognition, I would say, connecting socialism to a sense of a moral compass," Wilkes stated, adding that faith can infuse discussions about societal organization with optimism and creativity. This faith-driven focus on economic issues extends beyond electoral campaigns. Organizations like Clergy and Laity United for Economic Justice in Southern California work with congregations to support workers' rights, assisting in efforts to unionize local businesses.
Public opinion on capitalism has shifted, with a Gallup poll indicating a decline in favorable views among Americans, a trend partly driven by Democrats and independents. This sentiment contrasts with the views of some Republican figures, including former President Donald Trump, who have characterized progressive candidates and their platforms as "godless communists."
El-Sayed, the son of Egyptian immigrants, acknowledges that his Islamic faith can be subject to misunderstanding or weaponization. However, he emphasizes the importance of lived morality, stating, "If you put your morals on a mantel, they’re not morals. They’re just, you know, things that you can admire and then you give yourself the permission to step away from them when it’s convenient."
As El-Sayed navigates his campaign, the interfaith roundtable concluded with prayers from leaders of various faiths, including a specific request for his electoral success, underscoring the blend of religious motivation and political ambition at play.