In Chapter 5 of Who are We?, Samuel Huntington discusses Religion and Christianity in relation to the United States and its policies. He begins by discussing the court ruling against the use of “under God” in the Pledge of Allegiance as to whether or not this is a failure to abide by our first Amendment freedoms presented by the constitution. Although statistically, Huntington recognizes that we are a Christian nation as 80 to 85 percent of Americans identify as Christians, the statement can make non-believer feel like they are outsiders who are not full members of the political community. He further discusses the religious history of our nation as Sunday Christian services in the past were held in government chambers such as the house of representatives. Huntington further discusses how the first amendment and overall the Constitution’s lack of religious language cause the nation to be secular is far from the truth. Although there is a separation between the church and the state, the United States is inherently a religious country as people’s religious beliefs have defined them since it was first colonized. He furthers this notion as he cites Tocqueville’s notions that the country was the most religious amongst all other countries. Additionally, Tocqueville discusses the foundation of the United States in the north was built upon a search of religious freedom. To further his points, Huntington goes into highlight various significant authors throughout the history of the United States who emphasizes the significance of religion as a core value, such as Philip Schaff and James Bryce. Additionally, He discusses how in 1999, 86% of people in the United States state that they believe in God or a universal spirit and in 2002-2003, 63-66% of Americans actively claimed membership to a church or synagogue. Overall, he notes how Americans rank among the most religious people in the world. On top of this, for more than 200 years Americans were defined by their opposition to Catholocism while Christianity of Americans has impressed foreign observers. He further calls on Tocqueville’s writing, as he agrees with his writing that there is no other country in which Christianity influences the souls of so many people. Although people’s values and beliefs have and may further shift from specifically Christian values and beliefs, the United States was founded on religious values and to this day has so many people who value their religion as well as their religious freedom.
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One reply on “ERA: Who are We? Chapter 5”
Elizabeth notes “Overall, he notes how Americans rank among the most religious people in the world. On top of this, for more than 200 years Americans were defined by their opposition to Catholicism while Christianity of Americans has impressed foreign observers.” Which surprised me when reading Huntington and then reviewing this fact in this post. I understand that the United States has grown from a religious standpoint, however I believe this fact is for the past. In today’s world, America is not as religious as it once was. Our generation has taken a step back religious views. As time continues and as our generation begins to be more active in politics, the civil religion of America may change.