JD Vance, author and political figure, argues that Christianity could serve as a unifying force in a deeply divided United States, presenting his case in his new memoir, "Communion." The book critiques the rise of secularism, which Vance contends has exacerbated social divisions rather than alleviating them, and proposes a return to the nation’s Christian heritage as a path toward greater peace and tolerance.
Interviewed about his views, Vance described the United States as fundamentally a Christian nation, asserting that declining religious adherence has coincided with an increase in societal fractures. He pointed to a rise in various forms of discrimination, including antisemitism, anti-Christian bias, anti-White sentiment, and anti-Asian prejudice, attributing these trends to what he calls the "fruit of secular liberalism."
In advocating for a renewed embrace of Christianity, Vance emphasizes a nonsectarian approach, suggesting that the nation should consider alternatives to ideologies that promote division under the guise of unity. He said that a return to the country’s Christian foundation might better foster openness and tolerance.
Vance's perspective challenges common perceptions of the political right’s relationship with religion, particularly regarding former President Donald Trump. While some view Trump as emblematic of a post-religious conservative movement, Vance believes Trump engages with spiritual questions in both private and public contexts, noting the former president’s occasional reflections on faith and the afterlife.
On policy issues, Vance acknowledges tensions between religious communities and the Trump administration. He addressed the Catholic Church’s criticism of immigration policies, defending the administration by arguing that some religious leaders focus insufficiently on the negative impacts of mass migration, such as child exploitation, wage suppression, and public safety concerns. Vance suggested these issues received inadequate attention from certain religious voices.
Regarding abortion, Vance noted that although the Trump administration fulfilled its pledge to appoint judges who helped overturn Roe v. Wade, abortion rates have risen, partly due to the availability of telehealth prescriptions for abortion-inducing medications. He highlighted an ongoing safety review of the drug mifepristone, indicating the administration’s intent to base any future restrictions on scientific findings.
Vance frames America’s Christian identity less as religious dogma and more as a shared cultural heritage that connects past and future generations. The title "Communion" reflects not only the religious sacrament but also this sense of historical and communal continuity, which he believes is currently under threat.
The memoir follows a personal narrative similar to Vance’s earlier work, "Hillbilly Elegy," chronicling his search for community and belonging. Observers have noted parallels with former President Barack Obama’s autobiographical works, as both men grappled with complex family backgrounds, Ivy League educations, and a quest for rootedness through faith. Vance himself chose Catholicism as his spiritual foundation, while Obama found his faith within the Black church, which has a particular focus on social justice and critique of America’s shortcomings.
While Vance refrained from directly comparing their works, he contrasted his own emphasis on cherishing America’s Christian legacy with what he described as Obama’s preference to highlight secular elements of the nation’s founding. Vance expressed a desire to preserve what he views as an endangered national inheritance, portraying the American people as a collective “communion” despite their imperfections.