The Western World Daily Readings on Geography Chapter 30 North America Cultural Geography I

CHAPTER 30 North America Cultural Geography I Religion in the United States , part one Created by from Noun Propel In this essay , we examine the religious geography of the United States , including a look at the origin and traits of some denominations and movements that are particularly common in the For a more general look at religion , see Chapter . The origins and traits of Roman Catholicism , Eastern Orthodox Christianity , and Protestantism are discussed in greater detail in Chapter 48 . The origins and traits , Islam , and Buddhism are not covered here for they predominantly are found in the other half of the world the Eastern World . PROTESTANTS About 71 of Americans identify as Christian , and there are many different denominations of Christianity in the United States . Protestants account for just under half the population ( 47 ) and the single largest Protestant denomination are the Baptists ( 15 of Americans ) The Baptist movement began when a group of 135

136 JOEL QUAM AND SCOTT CAMPBELL English reformers broke from the Anglican Church . It was a relatively small movement in England , but flourished in the United States . Another 15 identify with various churches that are sometimes collectively referred to as Mainline Protestant . The term is not strictly defined , but it implies a few things . First , Mainline churches are usually theologically moderate , rather than fundamentalist . That means that most members of Mainline churches look to the Bible for truths , but agree that some of the stories , particularly those of the Old Testament , might be symbolic parables , rather than a strict record of facts . This makes them distinct from some of the more conservative or fundamentalists denominations , such as some Baptist , Pentecostal , Evangelical , or denominational churches . Second , mainline churches tend to be fairly traditional in their worship , and have not generally embraced the more contemporary approach of some Evangelical churches . Third , Mainline churches tend to be somewhat apolitical , although many have actively promoted social justice and civil rights movements . Finally , Mainline churches might be thought of as churches . Although some of them tend to be more numerous in certain parts of the country , Mainline churches can typically be found in nearly any city of even modest size anywhere in the United States . Four Protestant denominations account for the largest numbers of Mainline Protestants Methodists ( of the population ) Lutherans ( Presbyterians ( and ( Methodism began as a reform movement within the Church of England , and soon spread to much of the British Empire , with its greatest success coming in the United States . was I initially an immigrant Church , associated with Germans and Scandinavians , but as became the single largest ethnic group in the country , and spread to nearly every part of it , Lutheran churches were soon found nationwide . The Presbyterian Church is a church that was founded in Scotland , and made its way to the with Scottish immigrants . The Episcopal Church is essentially the Church of England in the United States . After the Revolutionary War , in the could no longer accept the King of England as the official head of their Church . So , they separated to form their own organization , although are still part of the global Anglican communion . In stark contrast to the Mainline churches is the Pentecostal Church , which accounts for about of the population . Originating in Kansas in the early , Pentecostalism is a as strictly factual and unerring . And while most Mainline churches fundamentalist movement . Fundamentalists tend to view the Bible tend to feature formal liturgical services , in Pentecostal churches , sermons and prayers are to be extemporaneous expressions of the Holy Spirit , and the services can therefore be pretty lively . The Pentecostal movement is often seen as the predecessor of the later Evangelical movement . About 14 of Americans are Protestants . They are members of churches that are part of the Protestant lineage , but which do adhere to the doctrine of any larger church organization . Such churches develop their doctrine , for lack of a better term , in house . There have long been churches in the United States , but their popularity rose sharply in the , particularly in large urban and suburban . Many of the converts to this new movement in Christianity had grown up in Mainline Protestant Image by Mo .

NORTH AMERICA CULTURAL GEOGRAPHY 137 denominations . Frustrated or bored with the traditionalism of the Mainline , they sought churches that were more contemporary in their worship and personalized in their approach . Often times , these churches would around a particularly popular pastor . Many of these churches are closely connected to the modern Evangelical movement . ROMAN AND ORTHODOX by Noun There are more than twice as many Protestants as Catholics in the United States , but because Protestants are so highly fragmented , the Roman Catholic Church is actually the single largest religions organization in the country , accounting for about 21 of all Americans . Eastern Orthodox Christians account for a much smaller share , about . OTHER CHRISTIAN GROUPS Mormons , who account for about of the population , are followers of the Church ofjesus Christ of Latter Day Saints ( sometimes abbreviated as the Church ) Founded in western New York state in the 18305 , beliefs are based on the Christian Bible , but also on the teachings of the church founder and prophet , Joseph Smith . Smith attempted to establish a Mormon community in western Missouri , but was driven out of the state . Smith and his followers retreated to Illinois , where Smith was murdered by a mob for some of his controversial teachings . In the 18405 , the Church new leader , Young , led his followers to Utah , where the largest organization is still based . Mormons are for their missionary zeal , and churches are now found throughout the United States and the world . Another church with origins in New York state , and likewise famous for its missionary , are Witnesses , who account for about of the population . For a map showing the distribution of American religious affiliations by county , go to .

138 JOEL QUAM AND SCOTT CAMPBELL CHRISTIANITY I by Stephen from Noun The term evangelism in Christianity simply refers to spreading the word of Christ , and has been used by Christians for centuries . One of the largest Lutheran groups in the United States is called the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America . Since the middle of the century , however , the term Evangelical Christian has come to refer to a specific movement within Christianity . To begin , it is a movement , meaning that members of multiple Christian denominations identify as Evangelical . Some Mainline Protestants , and even some Catholics , have adopted the term . But those identifying as Evangelical are far more likely to be Baptist , Pentecostal , or . Because it is a cultural movement , and not a specific church organization , a concise definition is difficult , but it usually implies four things . First , Evangelical Christians are likely to be fundamentalists believing in the strict historical accuracy of the Bible . Second , Evangelicals believe that one must renew their faith in Christ , which is why they are sometimes referred to as Born Again Christians . Third , Evangelicals take seriously the traditional definition of the term , and make significant efforts to convert to Christianity . Finally , Evangelicals usually believe that their religious lives should intersect with every aspect of their personal lives . The term Evangelical has also taken on three other connotations , which are true of many , but certainly not all , Evangelicals . First , Evangelical worship often reflects traditions established by the Pentecostal movement it tends to be contemporary and lively . Second , some Evangelical movements preach a prosperity gospel , promising rewards not only in heaven , but in this life as well . Third , Evangelical Christianity has generally been associated with conservative politics . It has been said , somewhat sarcastically , that the most accurate definition of an Evangelical is white , Christian , and Republican , and Evangelicals are certainly a force to be reckoned with in Republican politics . That said , the political ideology ofthe movement may be shifting somewhat . Many younger Evangelicals tend to be far less conservative than their parents and grandparents , particularly regarding such issues as gay rights and climate change . About 23 of Americans do not identify with any particular religious group . Of the three categories of religious individuals , 16 identify as unaffiliated , as agnostic , and as atheist .

NORTH AMERICA CULTURAL GEOGRAPHY I 139 OTHER Judaism has long been the largest religion in the United States . About 40 of the live in the , and they make up about of the country population . Muslims , Buddhists , and Hindus each account for about of the population . All other religions collectively account for around . CITED AND ADDITIONAL BIBLIOGRAPHY , 2013 . Religion in America States and Counties , in Maps . Washington Post . December 12 ,