Topics in American History Series:
Religion, Part 2
Segment descriptions
Sampler– Topics in American History Series
Religion, Part 2:
2’-54”
(58’ lecture)e
What is Deism, the acknowledged religious belief of
many of America’s founding fathers, and how does
it manifest itself in the First Amendment of the Bill
of Rights?
play sampler
1
Protestant society is still dominant. The
Constitution provides for periodic
revolution. Especially in times of economic
and social insecurity people tend to turn to
the certitude of emotional religious answers.
2
The new immigration from the 1880s to
the 1920s, answers the demand for cheap
labor due to the rapid industrialization after
the Civil War. Originating from south and
east Europe, including Catholics, Jews, and
Eastern Christian Orthodox, they are
greeted with great hostility, endure the city
life of poverty.
Responses of Religion
3
The response to poverty. The social
gospel is mostly protest. Moral concern for
the poor is expressed in the idea that the
"meek shall inherit the earth."
4
The slavery period. Slaves, with their
animism brought from West Africa, are seen
as not worthy of Christianity. A shift in the
1800s to conversion as a way to control the
slaves by sermon to obey the
master. Black Christianity evolves with
Moses as the hero who leads the slaves to
the promised land. The slave-preacher is a
natural leader, becomes active in revolts.
5
20th century. The period after the social
reforms of the 19th century. The religious
Topics in American History Series:
Religion, Part 2
Segment descriptions
revivalism of the 1920s. The millennium
and the anticipated 2nd coming of Christ.
6
The Mormons, led by Brigham Young,
settle in Utah, are a despised minority
having a belief in polygamy.
7
The Scopes Monkey Trial in the 1920s as
modernity and technology become
threatening to religions which want a literal
interpretation of the bible. Evolution is
accepted by many religious leaders as
God's way. Scopes issue is still with us
today.
8
Judaism. Many religious Jews immigrate
in the new immigration of 1880s to 1920s,
holding on to their heritage and religious
faith. By the 2nd or 3rd generations this
faith is modified into orthodox, conservative
and reform denominations.
9
Catholicism. Irish immigration to America
starts before the Civil War and continues
into the 20th century to escape poverty and
seek opportunity. New immigration is from
Italy. Catholicism becomes a potent force
in the U.S.
Religions in current American society
10
Judaism. Divisions of Orthodox,
Conservative and Reformed. Issues of
maintaining membership, intermarriage,
attempts of convert Jews to Christianity.
Ultra-Orthodox within the Orthodox. Time
of transition or time of crisis?
11
Islam in the U.S. Growing significantly.
Cloud of prejudice hovering over Muslims
since 9/11. The Black Muslims Nation of
Islam during the Jim Crow Era in the early
1900s argued for separation of the races,
emphasis on purity of the body, and the rise
of the charismatic Malcolm X becomes its
spokesman until he disavows it because of
corruption, and is assassinated. .
.
Topics in American History Series:
Religion, Part 2
Segment descriptions
12
American Catholicism. Influence of Pope
John the 23th and Vatican II Conference
calling for reforms in the Catholic Church,
including the issue of birth control, the
celibacy of priests, support of at times
radical liberation theology based on the
bible, .
13
American Protestantism. A degree of
social reform movement in old line
denominations. Mormons are now thriving
despite earlier fears of their theocracy and
elements of polygamy. The Evangelical
Movement, deeply emotional, ties to early
Puritanism and a one-to-one relationship
with God, born again, is particularly
associated with the Southern Baptists, now
spread nationally and more dominant than
the old line denominations. Economic nd
political implications when viewing
government as hampering individualism.
Emphasis on individualism, opposing
government role in society. An emphasis
on rugged individualism as part of the
American heritage. Promotes American
Exceptionalism. This has increasing
influence on Conservative politics,
especially Republicans, arguing for America
as a Christian country, challenging basic
American tenants such as separation of
religion and state. Sense of insecurity in
current times is a factor. There is also a
crusading element of converting the world.