If Americans have historically been opponents of the church?

Question

...how come there are so many American religious conservatives today? And these people still believe in the old customs and teachings.

Answer 1

America was founded by a group of religious 'Separatists' who dissented against the established Anglican & Roman Catholic churches, and who also dissented against the Protestant institutions of Puritanism, Lutherism, and others.

These 'Separatists' or Pilgrims, as we now call them, held a novel 'middle way' idea, wherein they could have both freedom 'of' and freedom 'from', religion. This radical ideal became the foundation of American life and goverment.

So America simultaneously became the refuge for victims of religious abuse, and for advocates of dissenting religions. Over the centuries, this has always been an uneasy but enduring balance of views.

Having both extremely religious people who cooperate with extremely non-religious people (along with all the folks in-between) is what makes America, America.

America has been, and hopefully will always be, a place where people can have any belief, or no belief, and still be free and equal.

Answer 2

If you actually read many of the quotes and beliefs of the "founding fathers" you'll discover they all believed in a need to keep God in the affairs of men. They were all very well aware that without a set of solid standards their radical ideas would never reach fruitation.

The Constitution does not have the phrase "separation of church and state." The concept was that there would be no official DENOMINATION to which the government answered as the Church of England or the Catholic church in Europe. It was not the desire of these men to remove God from government but rather to keep one church from becoming a political power as Islam is today.

People maintain the conservative principles because they are stable, contain wisdom and are solid. If you look at American history since the late 60's and early 70's you'll notice that the "anything goes" attitude has served to destabilize families, increase the number of suicides and create more antisocial behaviors. We are not insecure or afraid. It makes more sense to follow a solid path than throw life into chaos for no better reason than satisfying self.

Answer 3

Who says Americans have historically been opponents of the church? Why is religion associated with Conservatism?There are many religious Liberals, too. Religion doesn't have a political party.

America was founded on a strong belief in God. The separation of Church and State is just that. It's not a separation of God and State, it's a belief that all men/women should be able to worship freely without the government supporting one church or religion over another.

Think about where they came from and why. Pilgrims were a religious group, persecuted in their country. England had it's state sponsored religion, The Church of England. Our founding fathers sought freedom. Freedom to worship as you choose, freedom to say what you want. The modern attacks on these principals, "Political Correctness" and "No God in the Pledge of Allegience" erode those basic freedoms. With freedom comes responsibility. The responsibility to accept that others may say something you don't like, but they have a right to say it. They may worship differently, worship a different God or not believe in God. As long as they aren't hurting someone, they can do so freely.

While many Conservatives are Christians, many are not. Conservatives believe in, and will fight for, your right to freedom of religion and freedom of speech. Many Liberals will also. Unfortunately, there are people on both sides who don't agree. Some want their God incorporated into the government, some want no God in government. They have the freedom to say so.

A recent poll said over 80% of Americans believe in God. We have the words "In God We Trust" on our currency and entwined in our laws. We were founded on Judeo/Christian principals, but we don't favor any specific church. Personally, what's wrong with that?

Answer 4

I am not sure what you mean by that. I am pretty well versed in American history and I am not aware of any time that the government was opposed to churches. Are you refering to the seperation of church and state? That is not opposition, but was set up to allow for the freedom of religion. (and as important to me, freedom from religion)

The reason there are so many religious conservatives isn't related to that at all. I believe its because of reactions to the changing of social mores, insecurity and other issues that make people uncomfortable. People dont like change and returning to an old style religion is one way to conteract the insecurities they feel. This is just my opinion and I dont have any studies to back it up.

Answer 5

America wasn't an opponent of the church per say, but was against the laws and regulations binding them to the Church of England. They wanted a place to call thier own and worship God as they saw fit, not as some King or Bishop told them to worship.

Answer 6

Huh? Who told you that Americans have historically been opponents of the church?

Or do you mean of a particular church, like the Catholic Church or the CoE?

Answer 7

America was founded by people the where religious prosecuted by there home country. This is why we have an separation from state and church.

Answer 8

America is supposed to embody many high minded ideals and values however the reality doesn't always reflect that. America is a land full of hypocrites.

Answer 9

We are all controlled by the money,even the church.

Answer 10

One possible answer is that the officially secular society of the US has given free reign for everyone and anyone to market themselves as a religious figure in order to fleece the gullible public out of their money.