Bellah structures his idea of American civil religion around three trials, the third of which he believes will be the "attainment of world order" that the world has been unable to see despite the efforts of the United Nations (Bellah, 18). This world order would in essence create a world civil religion.
Most nations of the world have semi-succesfully united to function in social, political, and economic peace. But what about in religious peace? What an intriguing idea. Is it possible that in the same way a country like America holds a civil religion, that all nations could find "an understanding of the [world] experience in the light of ultimate and universal reality" (Bellah, 18)?
Bellah argues that if such a world civil religion was developed that it would not stand in conflict with American civil religion. Is this simply because of America's privileged position in the world? Does this mean that America would have to give up making enemies and acting militarily? I am not sure I can concur on the hope for this idea, especially when "American religion, with some notable exceptions, is martial at the very core of its being" (Stout, 275).
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