Religion in America

Differences Europe  Generally religion was determined by the ruler of the region (Catholic, Reformed, Anglican, Lutheran)  Religious tolerance developed 18 th /19 th centuries, but obstacles remain America  More diverse and tolerant (with exceptions)  More pragmatic/experiential in religion

Tensions in American religion Freedom/tolerance vs. practice in public life  1 st Amendment: “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof” Unity vs. diversity Pragmatism vs. intellectualism Individual spirituality vs. group identity Founding history vs. new events  Revelations, religious movements, waves of immigrants Protestant vs. Catholic

America: A Religious Nation? Yes  Higher average weekly church attendance (50-60%) than Europe  Religious motivation of colonists  Free practice of religion protected by 1 st Amendment And No  No one religion can be established by gov’t (1 st Amendment)  Many founding fathers, like Jefferson, were Deists and favored natural religion Jefferson created his own version of the Bible, cutting out miracle stories and supernatural elements (The Life and Morals of Jesus of Nazareth)  Thus, the Puritan story is different from the founding father’s vision and the Constitution

Puritans Strict Calvinists in England  Persecuted by Anglican majority  [Catholics also persecuted by Anglican majority]  Set up their own religious society and gov’t Winthrop  Uses Old Testament imagery (recalls God’s covenant with Israel)  Role is to be a witness to others

American Religion: Revivals 1740s: First Great Awakening  Usually on frontier, where churches and ministers were rare  Gathering included songs, preaching, and “altar calls”  Purpose: conversion experience Move people’s emotions

Images of American Piety and “Founding Fathers”