Religion of the American Society - Essay Example

Professor Name Institution, course number Date Religion of the American society “Religious beliefs are universal. Human everywhere have not only practiced religion, but also reflecting on it, have produced theologies, by which to understand it better” (Wilson, J., 1978). The influence of religion on the society is much stronger, than it may seem at first sight. Religion bears such functions as compensatory, communicative, regulatory, integrating, disintegrating and so forth. Religious factor affects the economy, politics, international relations, family, culture through the activities of the faithful individuals, groups, organizations, which authorize particular views. However, the activities of the believers in all areas of public life are subjected to the inverse effect of the objective factors in the development of the economy, politics and culture. Thus we can observe an "imposition" of religious attitudes on other social relations. The aim of this work is to analyze the influence of religion on the American society. Religion affects the society according to its specific features, reflected in doctrine, worship, organization, ethics, rules of relationship to the world and so forth. It is a systemic entity, which comprises a number of elements and conditions, representing consciousness with its features and levels of religious attitudes and activities. Religious writings have also undertaken a lot of changes during the evolution processes. “Since the Reformation denominatiolism has been the characteristic expression of Christianity on its ecclesiastical side. The right of private judgment and freedom from ecclesiastical superiors, that priceless boon of modern believers, has led to great variety in the interpretation of the New Testament” (Mullins, E. Y., 1908, 12). Thus, the views of religion in relation to different branches of the American society have been constantly updated. According to Gallup institute, the influence of religion on the American society weakens every year. However, people still express the need for faith. It indicates the strength of the religious foundations of American society and shows that public state in relation to faith is much more important than the individual one. On a support telephone line opposite the United Methodist Church in Newtown (Connecticut) secured a star with the word "Love". This church helps people to recover from the tragedy of December 2012, when the criminal shot 20 children and 6 adults at the local elementary school. The church was opened for everyone to pray. The congregation brought food and provided the psychological support for those who personally were involved in tragedy. The last time, the scientists admitted the growing influence of religion on the American society, was after a series of attacks on September, 11. Today, public opinion has changed dramatically. Seventy seven percent of respondents believe that religion loses its position in the American society. Approximately the same results were obtained in the late 60s of the last century. The results of another survey, commissioned by the Christian organization “Life Way Research” stated that in the face of tragedy, Americans become more sympathetic to religion. Approximately 60% of respondents agreed with the statement, that in the event of a natural disaster the interest of the population in God grows. The essence of religion and its importance was firstly revealed during the I World War. The religious feelings played a very important role in the lives of soldiers, giving them the moral support in the extreme conditions of War, as well as the ready-made set of images and symbols for the reflection of their front-line experience. Many Americans, who appeared on the front, considered armed confrontation with the Central Powers as a religious test, the successful resolution of which became the key not only to personal, but also to the national redemption and salvation. At the same time appear the idea about the moral rightness of America, which stated that citizens of the USA are Gods chosen people and have messianic role. “Hence in the world of religion there has often been resort to a relief that in the world of science has never been sought” (Clarke, W. N., 1897, 11). The scientific researchers were not able to reveal the spirit of faith, which lived in people’s hearts. Empirical evidence suggests that the USA remains a Christian Protestant country. Most Americans confess the importance of religion in their lives. The time of radical transformation of American faith to Protestantism belongs to the end of XX - beginning of XXI century. Modern sociological studies of American Protestantism is a developed "industry" of timely receipt of important information to the public about the status and changes in the religious life of the country. Studies of the American sociologists suggest relevance and impact of Protestantism on the US society. The researchers indicate the following mechanisms of influence of Protestantism on the society: At the individual level. Protestantism provides an organized framework inclusion in society, providing emotional and psychological support for the population; At the group level. It provides a public activity and socialization; At the level of local communities. Protestant congregations act as the constant participant of the local community; At the district level. It represents the work of social support and rehabilitation; At the state level. The representatives of religious groups take part in the activities of the authorities; The joint activity of the religious lobby, NGOs and government institutions at the state level. Protestantism is ideologically significant phenomenon in political life. It continues to influence the formation of civil religion and education. The results of sociological surveys of Gallup institute in 2012-2013 state that there was no significant changes in the religion influence on the society during the last decade. The strength of faith increases mostly if people face critical situations and difficulties in the particular spheres of their life. Thus, the level of religion in terms of social perception can never be exactly identified. It depends upon the economic and political level of the country, its stability or instability as well as the general state of population of the USA. Concluding this article, it is necessary to mention that religion on the individual level is a state of mind, which predetermines the further actions of the individual in relation to God and change his attitude to the major life values. Religion on the social level is the reflection of human position in relation to the government and the further actions of its authorities. During the last two years, there were no significant changes in the attitude of the society towards the religious issues. Though the population faced difficult times, predetermined by the world economic crisis, it still has a positive vision of the further situation in the country and maintains its religious values, despite the unpleasant circumstances. Public organizations play the primarily important role for the further support and development of social religious views of American people. Works Cited Clarke, W. N. Mystery in Religion. New York: Colgate University, 1897. Print Mullins, E. Y. The axioms of religion. Philadelphia: American Baptist Publication Society, 1908. Print Wilson, J. Religion in American Society. The effective presence. New Jersey: Prentice Hall, Inc., Englewood Cliffs, 1978. Print Read More