N17-National_Religion_on_the_USA

“National Religion” in the USA. Religious diversity.

The degree of religious diversity in America becomes evident when one compares the religious composition of American society with that of its neighbours. Mexico’s population is 96% Catholic. Canada’s three largest denominations: Roman Catholic, Anglican and the United Church of Canada. To account for 86% of America’s total church membership, it’s necessary to add together 19 separate denominations. The 1^st amendment to the Constitution prohibits an established national religion and protects the individual’s right to practice the religion of his/her choice. The freedom of worship is the result of the separation of Church and State. That’s why there is no organized national church in the USA. Americans, however, have developed a number of informal practices which combine national patriotism and religion. These practices are referred to as “national religion” of the USA; their main function is to provide support to the dominant values of the nation.

Although the official separation of Church and State provided a climate for these diverse religious practices to flourish Protestantism, because of numbers and influence, occupies a dominant position in American society. The Protestants insist that the individual is the center of religious life; he must stand alone before God. In place of the power and authority of a priest, Protestants substituted “the priesthood of all believers”, which means that every individual is responsible for his own relationship with God. There is a large number of Protestant denominations established in America, each having a “live and let live” attitude toward the others. So, diversity is accepted and strengthened.

Major protestant denominations in the USA are: Mormonism, Christian science, Seventh- day Adventism, Jenovah’s witnesses, Pentecostalism, Baptism, Methodism, Lutheranism & others.

The Presbyterian, Lutheran, Episcopal & Reformed churches along with the Congregational church constitute “mainstream Protestantism” in America. Baptists & Methodists, once peripheral sects, are now usually considered part of mainstream Protestantism as well. Other Protestant denominations such as Pentecostals & Southern Baptists are sometimes referred to as “radical” Protestants. Worship services of radical churches are less formal & liturgical than services of mainstream Protestants.

There are some others denominations in America that are not considered Protestant or Christian. So non-protestant are: Orthodox, Catholic Church, Jewish.

Non-Christian denominations are: Hinduism, Islam, Sickism.