| Summary: | The relationship between politics and religion is a central theme in The West Wing, thus closely reflecting American society. The Democratic administration around President Bartlet often faces representatives of the Christian right, which is powerful among Republicans. Above all, the series stresses the diversity and complexity of the American situation in terms of relationships with religion. The main characters are Catholic, Jewish and Protestant; almost all of them (including some Republicans) defend the “wall of separation” between Church and State. Theirs is a private faith, which does not prevent them from mobilizing fundamentalist practices to better criticize them. This original treatment contributes to the positive reception of the series in France. Its liberal (sometimes idealistic) approach pleases left-wing spectators, while the Christian undertones of the narrative resonate with Christian audiences. In terms of faith and style, the Bartlet presidency can be viewed as left-wing Christian. Like his successor Santos, Bartlet announces the figure of Barack Obama and the return of a Christian left, capable of attracting the religious voters in the USA. The series has elicited all the more interest in France at a moment when the relationships between religious faith and public commitment are under question.
|
|---|