美国宗教文化American Culture Religion in the USA

Why so religious?
Well, the answer to this question is quite simple…
Do you remember the Pilgrims, and why they came to the New World?
Why so religious?
Basically, there was no national religion (and there still isn’t)
Why so religious?
Traditionally, in European countries (which is where the colonists came from), there was a national religion. In fact, in some cases, as in Catholicism, there was (and still is) a religious leader You know the Pope?
Protestant Heritage
Although this was originally part of the religious values, it has become ingrained in our culture “self-help” books: books that teach you how to better yourself
Separation of Church and State
Although it is law, some things are disputed as to whether they belong in the church or in the state (government run institutions, such as public schools) Evolution vs. Creationism in public schools
Any other reason?
Actually, yes.
The protestants (pilgrims/puritans/Christians) not only needed to escape the persecution, but they were also drawn to the lack of government control over religion
The Pope
The Pope
Separation of Church and State
Because the protestants liked this so much (and because they couldn’t agree on what to believe), this became law “live and let live” attitude
Barack Obama
Leabharlann Baidu
George Bush
Bill Clinton
Diversity
What is also interesting to note, is that, while the United State’s most popular religion, Christianity, is declining, other religions are growing Let’s consult the chart once again…
Some info
In 7 years, 2007 to 2014, the United States had a decline of about 5 million Christians
Sorry Pilgrims
Still…
The USA has more Christians than any other country in the world, which is probably why most Americans prefer to have a Christian president
Humanitarianism
Self-improvement also includes the idea of improving oneself by helping others Volunteerism: contributing time or money to a good cause
“self-help” support groups: groups, or organizations, that help you to better yourself
Selfish?
Support Group
Self-Help
In fact, I wouldn’t say this is selfish at all (but, maybe I am biased) Americans like to help others learn how to help themselves, because we believe that this is the key to true happiness “You can’t love someone until you learn how to love yourself”
American Culture Unit 4:
Religion in the USA
A Chart
Some info
“In 2007, there were 227 million adults in the United States, and a little more than 78% of them – or roughly 178 million – identified as Christians. Between 2007 and 2014, the overall size of the U.S. adult population grew by about 18 million people, to nearly 245 million. But the share of adults who identify as Christians fell to just under 71%, or approximately 173 million Americans, a net decline of about 5 million.” http://www.pewforum.org/2015/05/12/americaschanging-religious-landscape/
Marriage rights
Religious references on our MONEY (“In God we trust”)
Pro Creationism
Pro Evolution
Protestant Heritage
Self-improvement
“Christianity often emphasizes the natural sinfulness of human nature… individuals are left alone before God to improve themselves and ask for God’s guidance, forgiveness, and grace. For this reason, Protestantism has traditionally encouraged a strong and restless desire for self-improvement.”
In case you forgot, they were escaping religious persecution They wanted a new life and a new opportunity to practice their religion in peace
This is a FUNDAMENTAL American belief, that all people should have the right to practice their own religion, without fear of persecution
The Chart
Religious pluralism
This basically means that there are many different religions in the United States. In fact, most of the religions of the world are practiced in the United States
Through these actions, it was believed that one would be seen as acceptable in the eyes of God
Simply put, this meant that the government could not deal with religious affairs, and the religions had to place in government run institutions (especially in public schools)
Material Success, Hard Work, and Self-Discipline
The protestant work ethic stresses the moral value of work, self-discipline, and personal responsibility The protestant work ethic has much in common with American emphasis on financial success, practicality, efficiency and self-sufficiency