Religion in the United States - Mini Quiz 1/20

“lived religion”

Viewing religion through the individual and the way they practice their beliefs in everyday life, rather than the generalized definition according to the larger institution

Religion as a modern concept

Other spheres of authority (political, economic, scientific) rise to power, however religion doesn’t go away. It remains a sphere in people’s lives due to 3 theories

Social Theory

social - a “glue” for society, acting as a community

Psychological Theory -

individuals use religion to cope with the chaos of life

Cultural Theory

Religion is embedded within larger cultural institutions that can’t be separated

boundaries

religions are engaged in disputes surrounding boundaries. Individuals cross boundaries. The clearer the boundary, the more distinct and cohesive the religious group is

restorative boundaries in religion

brings about peace, tranquility, and peace

transformative religion

changes things, constructive (enhancing life), destructive (negating life as people understand it)

ordinary

concerned with cultural, everyday practices, traditions, common acts

extraordinary religion

religion helps people move beyond their cultural boundaries - usually associated with larger institutions

American church history

based on a protestant POV, Robert Baird wrote a book on the lack of uniformity, and emphasized the “otherness” of smaller religious groups

American Religious History

began recognizing that the other religions were part of history, Sydney Ahlstrom wrote a large book in 1972 about all religions.

civil religion / religious nationalism

the fact that we see religion everywhere in our daily lives embedded in US culture - money, pledge, court, decor, etc. etc. Some believe that America should be a Christian state, it’s part of the national identity.

democracy, race, and immigration

religion has become increasingly important in our elections, racial groups are often tied to freedom (freedom of religion) yada yada. Immigrants bring their own religions.