RELIGIONS IN USA

1. RELIGIONS IN USA Social Studies 7B Daniel Andres Clavijo

2. INTRODUCTION Religion in the United States is characterized by a diversity of religious beliefs and practices. Various religious faiths have flourished, as well as perished, in the United States. A majority of Americans report that religion plays a very important role in their lives.

3. OVERVIEW AND HISTORY From early colonial days, when some English and German settlers came in search of religious freedom, America has been profoundly influenced by religion. That influence continues in American culture, social life, and politics. Several of the original Thirteen Colonies were established by settlers who wished to practice their own religion within a community.

4. DISTRIBUTION OF RELIGIONS IN USA The four most popular religions in the United States are: -Christianity: 76% of Americans label themselves as members of the Christian faith. -Judaism: Judaism has only about a 1.3% population in the United States. People of the Jewish faith tend to live in areas with other Jews -Islam: There is only about a .5% population of Islamic people in the United States. -Buddhism: There is only about a .5% population in the United States.

5. DISTRIBUTION OF RELIGIONS IN USA

6. FREEDOM OF RELIGIONS IN USA In the United States, freedom of religion is a constitutionally guaranteed right provided in the religion clauses of the First Amendment. Freedom of religion is also closely associated with separation of church and state, a concept advocated by Thomas Jefferson.

7. RELIGION AND POLITICS IN USA Religion has long been a staple of American politics. At the national level presidents and candidates for the highest office have continually evoked religious themes, whether addressing foreign policy, social, economic, and social issues, or their own convictions.