Religion in America

Differences

EuropeGenerally religion was determined by the ruler of the

region (Catholic, Reformed, Anglican, Lutheran)Religious tolerance developed 18th/19th 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 1st 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 1st Amendment

And No No one religion can be established by gov’t (1st 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 EnglandPersecuted by Anglican majority [Catholics also persecuted by Anglican majority]Set up their own religious society and gov’t

WinthropUses Old Testament imagery (recalls God’s

covenant with Israel)Role is to be a witness to others

American Religion: Revivals

1740s: First Great AwakeningUsually on frontier, where churches and

ministers were rareGathering included songs, preaching, and

“altar calls”Purpose: conversion experience

Move people’s emotions

Images of American Piety and “Founding Fathers”