The Influence of Christianity on Modern American Culture

The question of whether or not America is a Christian country seems to be evident at a first hand glance.   Religion, especially Christianity, has been in America before it was even called America. Christianity is the most popular religion in America today, counting all of the different denominations together. But in the last century its growth has slowed down. The United States of America is the most religiously diverse country in the world today. Over the last hundred years or so America has seen an influx in non-Christian religions as well as their growth. Muslims, Buddhists, Agnostics, and Atheists, America is home to about 20 significantly popular religions.

Christianity has changed since the classical ways.   For instance, why would a country who pledges its allegiance to a nation “under one God,” and who marks its currency with “in God we trust“ not be centered around Christian beliefs?   Early on in the history of the United States the country did focus itself around Christian ideals.   However, in modern judicial interpretations have established a wall of separation of church and state and effectively banished religion from public affairs in America.1 You cannot talk about Christianity in America without talking about church and state. The opinion of our forefathers interpreted by the Supreme Court is that church and state are to remain separate. This has been a controversial topic in more recent years. In June of 2003 a three-judge panel of the 9th U.S. Circuit of Appeals ruled 2-1 that the words ‘under God’ amount to a government endorsement of religion and violate the separation of Church and State. This ruling was immediately attacked by President Bush and the Congress and asked that the full 9th Circuit review the case again. There have been ruling such as this and rulings going in the complete opposite direction holding up things like the Pledge of Allegiance and a students’ right to pray in school. In his book A Season for Justice, David A....