America is known as a cultural melting pot where anybody regardless of race, religion, or creed can be accepted. This inclusive social philosophy has led to the proliferation of many diverse religions throughout America.
The major religions in America are Christianity, Islam, Judaism, Buddhism, and Hinduism. These religions can be found all over the world as well.
But how did it get this way? Read on to learn more about the history of religion in America.
Major Religions in America
While the list of religions in America includes obscure faiths such as Zoroastrianism, about 3/4 of the country identifies as some form of Christian.
A large chunk of the population identifies as not being religious or being spiritual but not of one specific faith.
Other major religions include Islam, Judaism, Buddhism, Hinduism, Taoism, Mormonism, and the Church of Scientology. There are numerous denominations of each of these faiths as well.
Religion in Colonial America
America has historically been a place of refuge for those seeking asylum from religious persecution.
From its very beginnings in the days of the 13 original American Colonies religious refugees, mostly from Europe, sailed for the shores of the New World.
Most of these early religious refugees were of Christian denominations. Hence the large proliferation of the Christian Faith nationwide. Protestants and Catholics both took refuge here, as did Lutherans and Quakers.
You can use this article to do a bit of research if you want to learn about the roots of religion in colonial America.
Religious Proliferation and Diversification
Wave after wave of immigrants from a myriad of different nations and cultures came to American shores. Religions became more diverse and found fertile social soil to proliferate here.
For example, those who practiced Judaism came here prior, during, and after World War Two. They did this to escape persecution in Europe. Those of the Islamic faith came as well to escape persecution and violence in the Middle East.
Faiths developed on their own here such as Mormonism and Scientology. Others were here long before European settlers. This includes the various spiritual belief systems and religions of the Indigenous People.
In more recent times, quasi-religious belief systems have taken root. This includes those explored by the Hippie movement and New-Age groups. They continue to push the boundaries of the religious landscape.
Religious Tolerance
All was not, and is not, pure harmony and joy among all the religious groups here in the United States.
However, when compared to the countless religious bloodbaths all over the world, religions have remained remarkably tolerant of each other in America.
When analyzing the sheer number and diversity of the religious groups found throughout America it is easy to appreciate this overall tolerance.
This is due in large part to the First Amendment of the Constitution which protects freedom of religion.
Religious Diversity Is American
Religious diversity and tolerance are part of the American identity. They are part of the very framework of our laws and society. This is why all of the major religions in America can flourish the way they do.
Do some more research of your own into the fascinating world of religion in America. Check our page often to see if there is any more exciting info about it!
*This is a collaboration post
Copyright: Image by StockUnlimited
