Introduction In the modern age of the United States, the demographics of its citizens range from distinctive cultures of the world.
The cultural diversity in religion consists of Judaism, Buddhism, and Christianity to Protestantism. The aspects of the American religious landscape originated from immigrants seeking opportunities. The acceptance of the changes did not happen automatically and acts of discrimination were common. In this paper illustrates the early periods of religious pluralism to America’s progression to acceptance. Early Religion in America
The early stages of religious pluralism happened with European colonists, particularly the Puritans.
“The Puritans, an ascetic group of Protestants, controlled the social and political life in Massachusetts and other religious practices were not tolerated” (Boisi Center). In other words, Puritans ruled with an “iron fist” and other groups were shunned from
...society. A particular group identified as the Quakers faced acts of prosecution including banishment and the death penalty. The death penalties consist of hangings, which occur in Boston around 1959 to 1961.
However, The United States offered many European colonists an opportunity to create a new life for themselves.
“Because of this religious diversity, and because the values of the new nation emphasized freedom of choice and individual responsibility, the Constitution of the United States, ratified in the 1789, was quickly amended to guarantee freedom of religion and the separation of church and state” (Sullivan 2007). The Immigration Act of 1965 opened doors for many immigrants. This opportunity leaded to waves of immigrants, which changed the landscape of America.
Because America is democratic nation and substantial numbers of individuals make an impact, especially in social and political power. The groups of immigrants
immerse multicultural traditions into the modern American society.
For example, in San Francisco Chinese New Year is celebrated the city every year. The parade is televised locally and where tourists and locals experience the aspects of the Chinese culture. The youth of America today have a different perspective on religion. In the past, religion had larger impact on individuals.
The percentage of Americans converting to other religions or no religion is common. Christianity has decline in numbers over the years and continues to decrease. “In the Pew survey 7. 3 percent of the adult population said they were unaffiliated with a faith as children. That segment increases to 16. 1 percent of the population in adulthood, the survey found.
The unaffiliated are largely under 50 and male. “Nearly one-in-five men say they have no formal religious affiliation, compared with roughly 13 percent of women,” the survey said. (Banerjee 2008). Because of the Act of First Amendment: the freedom to practice any form of religion, Americans are exercising their free right to no religion or any religion. Conclusion To conclude, America started with particular groups in power, which controlled the religious practices. With the rise of immigrants, other groups affected the groups in power.
The impact brought religious pluralism to America. The melting pot of America illustrates the vast religious cultures and its acceptance. References: Sullivan
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