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

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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

10. 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

11. 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

12. 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

13. 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

14. V. The Future of Religion in AmericaB.
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

15. Thank You !
TIANJIN FOREIGN STUDIES UNIVERSITY