For the upcoming unit, I will be analyzing the evolution of religion and belief systems in the United States. As a prospective history major, I have a deep interest in the waves of immigration in the United States; along with the culture and characteristics of these specific immigrant’s native countries. A little known fact regarding the founding fathers of our nation is that a vast majority of these men weren’t Christian; these men were majorly Deist, agnostic, or even atheist.
In the pre-colonial times, Native Americans established religions that could be aligned with the ancient religion of animism, compared to that of the old-time religions of Ancient Greece and Rome, but was ultimately their own. Gods and Goddesses were patrons of animals, weather patterns, and even, of philosophical concepts such as death, fertility, and marriage. These pagan-esque religions draw upon characteristics of modern-day society, in which contemporary worship and vigilance of Earth, its animals, and its atmosphere.
America’s journey towards Christianization came subsequent to the arrival of the Pilgrims. Although commonly used as interchangeable terms, the Pilgrims and Puritans were both distinct groups with incredibly different goals. In England, Puritans wished to further reform the Anglican church from its remnants of the Roman Catholic church; whereas, the Pilgrims earned for a total break from the church, as they believed that the church was not truly holy and would tarnish their souls, if they continued to worship in a place of such superfluous pomp and circumstance . Of course, the Pilgrims have deemed heretics – separatists, really. First, they left England, in search of more religious freedom in the Netherlands but ultimately relocated, once more. And as the story goes, the Pilgrims sailed over to the New World, establishing the Plymouth colony. Other forms of Christianity were brought to America with new waves of immigration. With the arrival of Southern Europeans, such as the Italians and Spanish came Roman Catholicism; from traditional orthodox nations such as the Eastern European countries came Orthodox forms of Christianity, such as Russian, Romanian, and Greek Orthodox. Aside from these imported religions, there were several, very American “Great Awakenings” in which various Christian religions and philosophies emerged. The “Burned-Over District” in upstate New York, is a terrific example, where evangelical branches of Christianity emerged. Rare, antiquated religious groups emerged, including The Oneida Community, and The Shakers. Despite the fact that many of these religions are no longer in practice, it is true that the basis of these Christian denominations have created lasting impacts, as Christianity is the predominant religion in the United States.
In more recent decades, Islam has become an incredibly popular religion. A majority of Muslims are born outside of the United States, coming here as immigrants. Furthermore, it’s interesting that Islam is the fastest-growing religion in the world.
Smaller and less prevalent religions in the United States include Hinduism, Buddhism, Taoism, and Jainism. These Asian religions make up a fraction of American’s religious identities but should not be overlooked; their influence is significant in developing the spiritual but not religious movement (SBNR). In this movement, Americans identify with a sort of antinomianism perspective, rejecting organized religion, along with its uniformity and constricting jurisdiction. These SBNR practicers often engage in practices such as meditation, yoga, or more radical spiritualists may even engage in practices in which ouija boards, tarot cards, or palm reading.
Religion, spirituality, philosophies – whatever an individual’s word choice and preference may be – the cultural, and societal impact are critical to the development of a society. In American history, there have been rotations of fervent dedication to religion, and observance. During these periods of time, there was policy change; e.g. the prohibition of alcohol during the early twentieth century, as a reaction to Social Gospel movement or even the influence of modern-day Jewish Americans’ perspectives on politics in the Middle East have continued to influence policy-making decisions regarding controversial political issues and conflicts that the United States must act upon. New Age religion, cults, and communes have all come to light following the 1960s when the traditions of “the good old days” had begun to see their own metaphorical white light. Concerned, parents of young adults and teenagers, saw their children join occults, practicing Wicca (following the repeal of the Witchcraft Act of 1735), and learn magic. Young women were gaining new ideas regarding their identity, their potential, and redefining gender roles, through this new age, divine feminine-centric philosophies. The anti-establishment ideas worried the establishment; in higher education institutions Greek Life and College Republicans were established in order to reinforce traditional gender roles and values.
America has gone through a multitude of religious upheavals and a variety of shifts; however, the most significant shifts came between the post-Civil War period until about a hundred years later, following the antiestablishment, counter-revolution of the 1960s. Once beginning my research, I would narrow down the century to a handful of events that prove to have developed a momentous chain of events.
To further research the influence of belief systems in the United States, historical information will be gathered from primary and secondary sources. Diaries of my self-proclaimed flower child, hippie grandma, and stories from my one-hundred-year-old, great-great Aunt May, will be used to embellish the dry and perhaps, succinct accounts from historical texts.
By researching major belief systems, their origins, and their influence on American cultural, societal, and political changes, audiences can further understand how a belief system, or lack thereof, can tremendously impact a society. When a particular belief system has a significant stronghold on a particular region, state, or country, it has the power to shift the way its people think, vote, and create legislation.