Religion in America

1.     Religion Is Not Essential To America, 2005.

2.     Dan Barker is the author. He is a former Christian turned atheist. He is the co-president of the Freedom From Religion Foundation. He has a degree in religion and was a preacher for 19 years before he turned into an atheist.

3.     Barker states that America was founded on secular principles and not on religion. He wants America to realize diversity for religious believers and nonbelievers. He believes that America does not have any faith that accounts for the government like other countries in the world.

4.     Barker’s first point that supports his conclusion is the articles in America’s government. Mainly the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution. Neither of these documents have any mention of religious faith in them. They are both secular documents that promote a secular government. The Constitution specifically says that there will be no law regarding an official establishment of a religion. He knows that the Declaration mentions some instances of God, but he concludes that these do not “endorse Christianity” (2). The last paragraph in the first part of his essay talks about a Treaty with Tripoli in 1797. In this treaty it is said, “the government of the United States is not, in any sense, founded on Christian religion” (1). Another argument he has is for the separation of church and state. The words do not appear in the Constitution directly, but Barker says that Thomas Jefferson, the author of the Constitution, used the phrase, “a wall of separation between church and state” (3). Thus, laws must have a secular purpose that neither advances nor inhibits religion and must avoid entanglement between church and state (3). His last argument is regarding the Ten Commandments and America’s law. There are very few similarities and the only ones that are similar have been laws “long before Moses” (5).

5.     I think that Barker’s arguments support the conclusion that the United States government does not support one religion and in fact separates church and state. However, I think that his arguments do not discuss the title of his essay, “Religion is not essential to America”. His topics discuss how some of the founding fathers were not Christians and documents do not say any religion is the official religion of America. That is not the point of his essay title. He wanted to talk about religion being essential to America. I think the biggest issue with his essay is regarding the Pilgrims. They wanted religious freedom from Europe and left to the New World. They founded America and religious freedom was a big reason that made America great. Yes, there is separation between church and state, but America would not be the way it is without the church. Religion in general, not just Christianity, is essential because it makes up the nation. I do not believe that America would exist if religion were not essential.

1.     Religion Harms America, 2002.

2.     The author is Frank R. Zindler. He is the editor of American Atheist. He served as interim president of American Atheists in 2008. He is also a former professor of biology and geology.

3.     Zindler’s argument is that religion harms America and humans itself. His basis is that when religion is used to make decisions, like with George W. Bush, it ignores science and reason thus harming America. He believes that religion is controlling America and there is no separation of church and state right now. He thinks that religion is destroying science and learning.

4.     His first argument is that science has been the greatest benefactor for mankind in history and religion is destroying science. He does not think that only liberty and freedoms are at stake if religion takes over America like it already is, but rather life is at stake. Zindler thinks that the president should not be religious or do anything regarding religion because religion is nothing compared to science. He thinks it is fake. His second argument is in from of President Bush’s ignorance of science. He thinks that because Bush was religious and had scientific ignorance he did not have any scientific advisors. He did not seek scientific advice and that lead to bad problems regarding pollution, global warming, etc. Zindler concludes that Bush’s ignorance was the start of horrible conditions that, if continued, would destroy human kind. He also says that Bush stopped advances in science because of religion. His third argument is “it is religion’s job to keep America ignorant” (5). America is ignorant if they let religious leaders have power. This ignorance is leading to the end of America and will eventually destroy man. The more religion strives the more science dies.

5.     I think Zindler is very extreme in his arguments. He discusses that science is the answer to everything even immortality. He hates the very idea of religion and believes that Bush was so ignorant of science. I think Zindler had a bad experience with religion as a child. His arguments are highly one-sided. You can have religion and science in America and that is how it is today. He thinks that religion means scientific ignorance, but I think he is being religiously ignorant. He thinks that science can solve every problem and faith is useless. I do not think he realizes that science takes faith as well. I am not completely against his essay, but I believe more in the middle. I think that America does not need to be scientifically ignorant, but I do not think religion is the problem. Science can help medical advances and other advancements that help develop society. Religion helps advance society as well. Religion is not useless; it brings people together and develops communities and nations that help society work together. There is no American nation with religion and I do not think would be an American nation without science either. Zindler may be extreme in his essay, but there cannot be scientific ignorance in America or it would be the downfall of America. Abolishing religion is not the answer to scientific ignorance.

1.     Religion May Not Solve America’s Social Problems, 1997.

2.     The author is Wendy Kaminer. Kaminer is an author, lawyer and social critic. She earned a Law Degree from Boston University Law School.

3.     Wendy’s conclusion is that even though people believe organized religion helps social problems, there is little evidence that it helps benefit them (1). She says that religion can contain cruelty and bigotry (1). She believes that since more people believe in a religion than certain scientific principles they believe that religion is the answer to social problems.

4.     Wendy’s first argument is regarding religious belief and behaviors. She believes that religious belief is one-sided when it comes to behavior. She thinks that religion is “good for good people and bad for bad people” (2). There is prejudice when it comes to religion. If a religious group is responsible for terrorism or some small part of the religious group trained the terrorists there is prejudice because the religion gets the benefit of the doubt (2). She points out that religion is “credited for the good that people do and excused for the evils that it encourages” (2). Her next argument is in defense of atheism in a way. She is trying to defend atheism in a non-biased way. She uses her defense as a way to try and get people around religion. She defends atheism and says it is not “inherently nihilistic” (3). She is trying to point out that religion is not the only way to have morals and social standards. Atheists have these moralities and standards as well and belief in God is not the only answer. Wendy’s last argument is the hierarchy of religions. Minority religions can, even if not legally, be forced to participate in certain religious practices that are the majority. There is too much religious bigotry and religious warfare to claim that religion saves social order (4).

5.     Wendy Kaminer has a point about religion. I feel that religion does get the benefit of the doubt, but I also do not believe that you can blame an entire religion based off a small group that uses it for terrorism. That would be the same as destroying all cats if a few killed a person. Religion does get the benefit of the doubt, but I believe that most religions have the majority that seeks the greater good. I think that deserves the benefit of the doubt. I think she is right that you can be atheist and still have moral standards and be a benefit to society. However, I disagree that people should not encourage a belief in God in order to have moral standards. I think it is safe to say that religion has a better route to finding moral and social standards than atheism. I am not saying that atheism cannot have those standards, but most religions have the standards rooted in them and people can find them easily. In the end, society has to have standards and since the majority of society belongs to a religious group those standards will be formed by a religion. It has worked for 2000 years and I believe it will continue to work even when there are dark times.

1.     Religion Is Essential To America, 2005.

2.     The author is Joe Lieberman. Joe is an Orthodox Jew and a Democratic Senator from Connecticut.

3.     Lieberman’s conclusion is that religion influences America in a good way. He says that God creates all religious and nonreligious people equally. Morality has declined because religious values have been “banished from public square” (1). His final conclusion is that there should be separation between church and state, but there needs to be somewhat of a faith reform on society so that they will renew America’s social, moral, and cultural life. Faith is extremely important in this reform.

4.     Lieberman’s first argument is that America was founded on the idea that all men were created equally by God (2). He points out that America is great because of its foundation and its values. Its values are what make America work and right now they are in decline. The nation must strengthen its moral foundation in order to fix the social problems. The government can help the problem, but cannot fix the deep down issues because there is separation there. Those values are only affected by religion, families, and civic organizations (2). Lieberman’s next argument is the necessity of religion in a free society (3). He points out that the founding fathers stressed this idea. He is not saying that religion is the only way to moral standards, but that the nation was founded on the ideals of religion and our republic was linked to our belief in God (3). The founding fathers believed that religion is the source to “high values and good behavior” (3). These values are not rooted into any specific religion, but have strengths with any religious denomination. The last argument of Lieberman is that society now has not lost these values and principles necessarily on a personal level, but is afraid to stress them publically. The line between church and state has gone too far and religious values in public have diminished greatly. There is a need for spiritual rebirth in America.

5.     I think Lieberman makes great arguments for the need for religion in America. He also makes these arguments without infringing on the separation between church and state. He argues that the separation stay, but that faith be made more prevalent in society like it use to be when the nation was founded. I believe he is right when he says that religion makes great moral and social standards and they have declined because public religion has declined in America. The government cannot solve social issues on its own and society has to step in with its values. Its values derive from how families are being raised and religion plays a major role in family life. I think that if you compare social issues in society today with social issues in society that has a more prevalent public religious society it will be extremely different. The values gained from religion are too profitable to let slip by in society.

1.     Religion Benefits America, 2006.

2.     The author is Lieth Anderson. Anderson is a pastor at Wooddale Church in Eden Prairie, Minnesota. He has also written a book on leadership.

3.     Anderson’s conclusion is that religion, specifically Christianity, has benefitted America. Christianity has abolished slavery, brought down drug abuse, political corruption, and immorality (1). America is facing struggles still, but they should turn to Christian leaders because they offer stability and guidance (1). Things in America are bad and people are saying the Gospel does not work. How do Christians influence America today?

4.     Anderson’s first point is based on the history of America. He points out that Christianity led to the abolishment of slavery, stopped the abuse of drugs at one time, and helped society retain moral values. He points out that Christianity declined again, but in recent years it has picked up and values have affected society again. Christians have a huge impact on society. His second point is that people have a deep faith in them. When tragedy strikes in America and it always will; there is a deep faith message presented that has hope in Jesus and God. When America faces tragedies they turn to God. His last point is that there will always be Christians and non-Christians side by side in America. He uses the parable of the weeds and wheat to show that they both exist. Jesus will take care of the weeds and bless the wheat. Christianity is needed in America because it provides moral standards and it provides hope in hard times.

5.     I have no doubt in my mind that Christianity has benefited America in a way that it would not be here today without Christianity. The evidence is right in front of us that Christianity has positively affected America. There is a reason why people turn to God when tragedy strikes and it is because they seek protection and comfort from God. God provides that protection and comfort. I do not think that there is anyone that can argue against Christianity in a negative way that would outweigh its positive influences.

1.     Religion Can Solve America’s Social Problems, 2002.

2.     The author is Patrick F. Fagan. He is a researcher at the Heritage Foundation. He worked in the Department of Health and Human Services. He also has been a sociologist and family therapist.

3.     Fagan’s conclusion is that the practice of religion is “both an individual and social good that has numerous positive effects in countering social problems” (1). Religion leads to stronger families, higher self-esteem, and better citizens (1). America needs to acknowledge the benefits of religion.

4.     The first point Fagan makes breaks down social and religious issues. The first point he makes is that religion strives to stop out-of-wedlock births. These births lead to social and economic costs to the nation. They are not beneficial. Religious areas also have reported less crime and drug influence than other areas. Religious involvement decreases drug use in society. Fagan makes another point in saying that religion affects prosperity. He says that men that go to church often behave in different ways and as a result escape from “inner city poverty” (3). Religion reduces the rate of suicides, depression, and low self-esteem (5). Fagan concludes that religion benefits society in so many ways that it is good social policy to have religion be widespread (7). Religion can and does benefit the entire nation. America has declined because religion is not widespread anymore. Fagan says that there needs to be a renewal in America for religion to be more widespread.

5.     I think that Fagan makes strong arguments for the widespread need of religion. The facts have it that many social problems are lowered because of religion. America is in turmoil and there is much need for reform. Religion can be the answer, but for me, Christianity should be the only answer. I am not against making religion widespread in order to make society better. We have to be careful in the separation of church and state and also the equality of religions. We cannot force Christianity on someone, but if we try and make it widespread we can influence America without forcing it. The separation of church and state makes Christianity have the opportunity to be influenced on society without it being forced.

1.     Religion and Health-Promoting Behaviors Among Emerging Adults, 2015.

2.     The author is Shalonda Horton. She is a graduate from the school of nursing at the University of Texas at Austin.

3.     Horton’s conclusion is that people tend to use religion’s health benefits and practices as a way to prevent obesity. Religion has a great health promotion and we should use that to keep away from unhealthy behaviors. Since obesity is the fastest-growing cause of death in the United States (1) we should use religion to overcome obesity.

4.     Horton’s first point is that obesity is rising in America and there have not been a lot of solutions to fixing obesity besides being physically active. Her next point brings up the topic of religion. She gives the definition of religion and says that religion is a community that provides social support. There are certain exercises that religions perform that can be associated with physical activity (2). She continues with another point that says that as teenagers move into adulthood they make life-changing decisions. Those decisions affect their overall health and a lot of the decisions are influenced by religions. However, half of her results and experiments concluded that religion did not affect their overall physical activity the way she hoped. While the other half did intertwine religion and activity. She concluded that it depends on the type of religious belief and what stage you are at in that belief matters and reflects on your physical activity.

5.     I have never thought about the connection of physical activity and healthy behaviors and religion. I did not think they co-existed, but after this article I have had my eyes opened. They do co-exist because religion can be your basis for everything and what you do is because of your religion, which can result in healthy or unhealthy decisions. I think it is an interesting article, but I do not think religion is the answer to obesity. If we push religion on obese people in order for them to become physically fit than we are defeating the purpose of religion. They have to choose to believe in a specific religion. I think that it could be a good encouragement for somebody dealing with obesity. They may think that religion can help them become healthier physically and as a result they could become healthier spiritually as well. Horton has an interesting point of view and I think it is safe to say that religion benefits many more things in society than people are aware.

1.     The Religious Freedom Peace, 2015.

2.     The author is Nilay Saiya. Siaya is a professor in the Department of Political Science at The University of New York.

3.     Saiya’s conclusion is that religion is the single most effective influence in society and politics. It has been this way forever, but it is also under persecution. Religion is being silenced by government and hostel forces. Saiya believes that both of these exist together and are intertwined.

4.     Saiya’s first point is that religion is a very strong belief system in the believers. They do not let themselves get pushed around and their belief silenced. They stand up for their beliefs and push back. Saiya believes that because of this religion is trying to influence society and politics. In turn, politics are trying to silence religion. Religion is being persecuted because they are trying to influence. He concludes that restrictions on religion lead to violence. If religion is silenced in a certain part of the nation or world than that part will experience more forms of violence because religion does not want to be silenced. His last point is that religious free countries do not see that kind of violence compared to others. The religious violence is halted because they are able to freely worship and freely believe in what they want to believe.

5.     I believe Saiya has a great report on religion and history. It is easily seen through history that religion is important to society and even through persecution religion strives. Eventually, religion fights back and violence is inevitably the result. The separation of church and state is still important, but the state will always need a religious free state. Religion has many benefits to society and restricting religion will get rid of those benefits as well as bring about violence. Religion is extremely important to society.

Conclusion

            Religion in society is as necessary as oxygen in the world. Religion makes up most of the world since the beginning of time. People have sought after a Higher Being or God in order to have purpose in life. Religion creates purpose in life, while no religion lacks purpose. Atheism lacks ultimate purpose in life. What I mean by purpose is that there is something after life and in this life your purpose is to better yourself, others, or the community in order to fulfill your purpose in life and succeed in “the next life”. Atheism does not have anything after this life and therefore there is no ultimate purpose for an atheist. Religion gives the purpose and the people try and fulfill this purpose and that creates a better society. The benefits of religion in society outweigh the harms. There must still be separation between church and state, but the church needs to have a more prevalent role in society. The major benefits of community, behavior, and moral standards from religion have shaped the world. Religion’s disappearance would negatively affect society and ultimately lead to the destruction of an entire society.

            There has been many reports done that have concluded that religion results in a more positive society. Drug abuse, depression, suicides, etc. all decrease in religious societies. The behavior of the community is more loving and compassionate when they have a religious background. I think tolerance plays a big part in religious compassion in society. People have tolerance and respect other religions because they do not want their beliefs to be persecuted by others as well. This creates a community that respects and behaves with one another. Religion creates this type of society that would not exist if everyone did not have a purpose in life. Again, I am referring to the ultimate purpose of serving God or a higher being in order to better themselves or others in this life or another.

            The next benefit of religion is moral and social standards. These standards derive from religion. Moral code is based from religious beliefs of how to behave. If religious beliefs did not contain these moral codes than morality would be a big issue in society. There would be very few moral standards and they would not have developed quick enough for society to work. Religion has existed and society has flourished from religion.

            It is important to remember the role of religion in society. It has its role just like the government has its role. The government is supposed to govern its people and make sure society is acting according to law and order. Religion has a role in society as well. It is supposed to act to help society deal with social issues and problems. There are many social problems that will always exist and religion uses community and moral standards to help try and fix those problems. The government cannot fix social problems such as these because problems and solutions are deeply rooted into society since birth. Families play major roles in influencing society because they are part of the society. Religion in families provides healthier families, which in turn influences society in a healthy manner.

            People think that religion should be eliminated from society or from government in every manner. They think that religion inhibits society and science is the answer. I think that if religion is eliminated than society will eliminate themselves. In one of the articles I read a man suggested that religion is eliminating science and in tern mankind is doomed. However, I think that if the reverse would to happen than mankind would be doomed as well. There has to be a balance of religion and secular sciences and behaviors. Religion is necessary and so is science and government.

            Religion is losing its role in society as of late. Social problems are growing and the answer is religion, mainly Christianity. The need of widespread Christianity is great and that is the only fix to our broken society. People will deny the need for Christianity, but if they deny the need than they will slowly watch America’s society decay more and more. When people decide that religion is the answer than society will begin to grow and become healthier after time. We cannot force religion on people because that will not help anything, but we cannot be quiet as a group; instead we need to push and try and influence society the best we can.

            My best recommendation is revival. Many Christian revivals happen once or twice a year in America and they get great results for people believing in Christ. These revivals need to happen more often and in more areas in order to reach everyone. Again, we cannot force Christianity on people, but we can try our best to influence everyone we can! Christianity is the answer to the social problems in America that are slowing decaying the nation.

Bibliography

The sources are titled in the points above. The author and titles are found using Academic Source Complete.