Theology: Prothero’s Religious Literacy Essay Example

all people whether black or white and whatever background or race will understand certain decisions made based on religion in addition to respecting such decisions and hence the issues of discrimination on the basis of religion mitigated. By understanding Islamic for example a Christian will not discriminate against Muslim.

Christianity in American culture

Looking upon John F.Kennedy’s 1960 address to the Greater Houston Ministerial, there are a number of factors that are evident. Although the presidential candidate believes that religion needs to be separated from American politics, there is clear evidence that most of American consider an individual’s religion in election. In the whole speech, it is clear that most Americans are Christians and that most people who are elected as presidents in America are Christians. From the speech, is evident that most American looks at religious issues before deciding on the preferred candidate.

Looking at President Obama’s address on National Prayer Breakfast in 2011, it again evident that although there are many religions in America, most Americans are Christians and that most of decisions that are made are based on one’s faith. The president in his speech stated clearly he was elected to the office because of his Christian faith. Clearly for one to hold a higher office in America he or she must be a Christian and must depict values and believes of Christianity.

These two addresses by both President Obama and John F. Kennedy illustrate Prothero’s argument that Christianity represents a very important culture in America. Even though religious issues are separated from state, most Americans look at one’s Christianity faith before deciding whether he or she is fit to be American president. This is because

most Americans believe in the teachings of Christianity and the stipulations of the Bible. Perhaps it is because of this recognition that Prothero in his presentation he says that all high school students should be take a course about the Bible.

Changing landscape for religious tolerance in America

Unlike in mediocre times when there was rampant discrimination based one’s religion, currently there is increased tolerance on religious differences. For example, unlike in the past when Muslims were considered as terrorists a fact that was depicted in Hollywood movies, Muslims are now respected in American societies, they are considered as important people in the society and according to the survey conducted, most Muslims in America are satisfied and proud to be Americans. According the blog on CNN by Daniel Burke 80% of Muslims who live in America are satisfied with their lives and about 3 million of them are very important people in America some of them doctors, actors, filmmakers and some congressmen a fact that proves that the people in America have started respecting others’ religions.

Because of increased religious tolerance in America, that the number of Muslims in America, a country that is highly regarded of its Christian culture, is increasing and more Muslims are moving to U.S. Moreover, the traditional roles in which people from Arabic countries were given of being criminals is changing in Hollywood as they are now being given different roles that portray positive image of Islamic religion.

In Ronald Reagan’s 1983 “Evil Empire” speech, a number of issues were addressed. One of the issues that were addressed was the Christianity culture in America. One of the speakers quoted by Ronald says that what

makes America great is its Christianity faith. Other issues that are addressed in the speech are the bad activities in American soil that questions America’s Christian values. These include abortion and freedom of praying. In the speech, Reagan talks of Soviet Union, and in the mention, he monstrous character of Soviet Union is brought. Soviet Union is busy coming with weapons and building armies which is threatening peace in the world and America as a lover of peaceful world is opposing Soviet Union’s intentions. This therefore brings out the good in America and its believe on Christian teachings.

State of contemporary religion in America

Looking at Joanna Piacenza’s presentation, Prothero’s text, the Pew Forum’s “‘Nones’ on the Rise,”and even Jeffrey Jerome Cohen’s Monster Culture, it is evident that the number of people who are not affiliated to any religion in America is in the rise.

This fact is stipulating that unlike in traditional time where many Americans were Christians deeply rooted in Christians’ values and individuals, currently more and more people are losing the Christian values and believes the very values that traditionally directed the happenings in our society. Traditionally, our politics, economic and even social activities were being directed by Christian values and the high increase in Buddhism followers in America is a clear indication that more and more Americans are doing away with traditional Christian hegemony and have started going their own way, a way of the ‘Nones’.

The increased followers of the ‘Nones’ andBuddhism is an indication that the previous organization in religion in which people were affiliated to different religions is no longer effective. Currently, people who are not affiliated to any religion are in

the rise, this can be correlated with religious literacy. The fact that students in high schools are not being taught about religion is a contributing fact to the current scenario being registered. In essence, if religious study would mandated in all American schools, then people would come out knowing basics about different religions a fact that will have make it is easy for them to choose their preferred region. This will help mitigate the issue of ‘Nones’ in America.