Religion in the United States American Culture Unit four Religion in the United States TIANJIN FOREIGN STUDIES UNIVERSITY

Religion in the United States From the beginning of its history, religion played an important role in the United States. Many early colonial settlers came to America to avoid religious persecution in Europe. They wanted to practice their belief in God in their own way in the new world. To ensure this religious freedom, Americans laid down in the Constitution the separation of church and state. The government was forbidden to establish a national church and no denomination was to be favored over the others. 2017/4/20 TIANJIN FOREIGN STUDIES UNIVERSITY

I. The Pervasive Influence of Religion on American Society B. The development of education C. The growth of economy Political life 1. References to God in official customs and acts 2. “One nation under God” “In God We Trust” 1. Puritans 2. Harvard to train priests 1. Early American businessmen motivated by the Protestant ethic in their pursuit of wealth 2. Manifest Destiny 2017/4/20 TIANJIN FOREIGN STUDIES UNIVERSITY

II. Religious Americans A. The most religious country in the developed world B. Explanations 1. Religious tradition complete religious freedom guaranteed by the Constitution 2. Search for social conformity and emotional security 3. Disillusioned with social conditions 2017/4/20 TIANJIN FOREIGN STUDIES UNIVERSITY

II. Religious Americans C. Great interest in religion—not evident overseas 1. Secularization of religion Secularization of religion refers to the replacement of spiritual concerns with concerns about this world. 2. Personal matters 3. Ignored by mass media 2017/4/20 TIANJIN FOREIGN STUDIES UNIVERSITY

III. Major Religious Groups in America 93% of all Americans say they believe in God. Christians: 87%--59% Protestants; 27% Catholic; 1% Eastern Orthodox Jewish: 2% Moslem, Buddhist and Hindu: 4% 2017/4/20 TIANJIN FOREIGN STUDIES UNIVERSITY

III. Major Religious Groups in America A. Christian Churches 1 1. Protestants Baptist: 20%; Methodist: 10%; Lutheran: 6% Presbyterian: 4%; Episcopalian: 4% Mormons; Christian Scientists 2017/4/20 TIANJIN FOREIGN STUDIES UNIVERSITY

III. Major Religious Groups in America B. Roman Catholics 1 The largest unified religious body—50 million 2 Descendants of immigrants from Ireland, Italy and Poland 3 The election of John F. Kennedy 2017/4/20 TIANJIN FOREIGN STUDIES UNIVERSITY

III. Major Religious Groups in America C. Eastern Orthodox Churches 1 5 million 2 2. Descendants of immigrants from Russia, Greece or other parts of Orthodox Eastern Europe. 2017/4/20 TIANJIN FOREIGN STUDIES UNIVERSITY

III. Major Religious Groups in America D. Non-Christian Churches 1 Jewish: 6 million 2. Muslims: 2.5 million 2 Buddhists: 100,000 2017/4/20 TIANJIN FOREIGN STUDIES UNIVERSITY

IV. The Main Characteristics of Religion in America A. Characteristics of religion 1. Diversity 6. Tolerance Characteristics of religion 2. Freedom 5. Privacy 3. Competition 4. Commitment 2017/4/20 TIANJIN FOREIGN STUDIES UNIVERSITY

B. Characteristics of church members Region: Membership is highest in the Midwest and the South. 1 Social class: Jews rank highest in income; Hispanics the lowest 5 2 Politics: Protestants are more conservative; Jews are more liberal; Catholics are in the middle. 4 3 Age Race & ethnicity: Hispanic and Irish—Roman Catholics; Greek—Orthodox Church; Blacks—Baptists and Muslims 2017/4/20 TIANJIN FOREIGN STUDIES UNIVERSITY

V. The Future of Religion in America Evangelicalism and Religious right 1. Resurgence of Evangelical Christianity Evangelicals are usually more conservative and orthodox in their religious beliefs and practices. 2. Religious right Historically, Evangelicals have largely distained politics, but in recent years many groups have become increasingly involved at every political level. 2017/4/20 TIANJIN FOREIGN STUDIES UNIVERSITY

V. The Future of Religion in America B. Cyber churches It takes only the click of a mouse to jump from one temple, one mosque, or one church to the next. C. Spiritual renewal in the 21st century 2017/4/20 TIANJIN FOREIGN STUDIES UNIVERSITY

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