In today's political landscape, many organizations have taken on roles traditionally held by religious institutions, becoming central places where individuals engage in collective beliefs and practices. This shift means that politics has evolved into a sphere that closely mirrors religion, offering its adherents a sense of community, purpose, and moral direction similar to what churches provide.
The statement suggests that political engagement can be as emotionally and spiritually fulfilling for some people as religious devotion is for others. When political organizations replace the role of churches in society, they not only serve as platforms for governance but also become vessels for personal identity and communal solidarity. This transformation underscores how politics can inspire a sense of faith-like dedication among its followers, leading to intense loyalty and a willingness to fight for ideological beliefs. The idea that politics has "become religious" implies a deep intertwining between political activism and spiritual or moral commitment.
Michel De Certeau was a French intellectual renowned for his work in anthropology, sociology, and literary theory. His insights often explore the relationship between power structures and individual actions within society. Through works such as "The Practice of Everyday Life," he delved into how people navigate and resist dominant cultural narratives and systems of authority, including political and religious ones.