The religious scene in the USA. Protestant denominations. Mormonism. Christian Science. Seventh-day Adventism

The religious scene in the USA

There are two main branches of the Christian faith – Roman Catholic and Protestant – and countless other religions of the world in the USA (Buddhism, Islam, Hinduism, Orthodox faith, Jewish faith, etc.).

The Protestant branch broke away from the Roman Catholic Church in Europe in the 16^th century because of important differences in religious beliefs. The Protestants insisted that all individuals must stand alone before God. And seek forgiveness directly from God. As a result of persecution in Europe many Protestant were ready to leave their native countries in order to have freedom to practice their religion and went to America. Protestantism became the dominant religion in the new land. Nevertheless the colonies were too large for one denomination to gain control over the whole territory. So the idea of separation of church and state was accepted.

A great many different Protestant denominations developed and grew and had a “live and let live” attitude toward each other. There are son many of them due to the American belief in freedom of opinion and individualism. These denominations sometimes have significant differences – some of forbid dancing, playing cards, drinking alcoholic beverages while others do not.

Americans are a pretty religious nation: 88% among them believe that God loves them, 94 % believe in God, and 90 % pray. The numerous Protestant denominations include:

1.  Mormonism

2.  Christian Science

3.  Seventh-day Adventism

4.  Jehovah’s Witnesses

5.  Pentecostalism

6.  The Southern Baptist Convention

7.  United Methodist Church

8.  United Church of Christ

9.  Episcopalian Church

10.  Lutheran Church

11.  Presbyterian Church

and many others.

Many American values and beliefs derive from the Protestantism: self-improvement (there are a lot of self-help books in the USA, Americans believe that God helps those who help themselves), positive thinking (optimism), hard work and self-discipline, humanitarianism (idea of improving oneself by helping others by contributing some of their time or money to charitable, educational or religious organizations).

Some scholars say that there exists a national religion in the USA. It combines national patriotism with religion. This national religion unites the people and provides support for the dominant values of the nation. The religion includes songs (like the National Anthem and other patriotic songs – “God Bless America”, “America the Beautiful”, etc.) and ceremonies (at sport events, inauguration, elections, national holidays, etc.) All these things express the idea that the United States and its basic values have received God’s special blessings.