Religion in the United States

Religion in the United States
Country	United States
Caption	The Washington National Cathedral, an Episcopal cathedral.

Religion in the United States is characterized by a wide diversity of beliefs and practices, rooted in the nation's history of immigration and its foundational principle of religious freedom. The First Amendment to the United States Constitution prohibits the establishment of a state religion and guarantees the free exercise of religion, creating a dynamic and pluralistic religious landscape. While Christianity has been the majority religion since colonial times, the United States has no official church, and its populace includes significant numbers of adherents to other world religions, irreligious individuals, and a vast array of Protestant denominations.

History

The religious history of the region begins with the diverse spiritual practices of Native American peoples. Spanish and French colonists established Roman Catholic missions, such as those in Spanish Florida and New France. The Thirteen Colonies were heavily influenced by Puritans in New England and Anglicanism in the Southern Colonies, alongside communities like Pennsylvania's Quakers and Maryland's early experiment in Catholic toleration. The First Great Awakening in the 18th century, led by preachers like Jonathan Edwards and George Whitefield, revitalized Protestantism. Following the American Revolution, the Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom, authored by Thomas Jefferson, and the United States Bill of Rights enshrined disestablishment. The 19th century saw the rise of new religious movements like the Latter-day Saints and Seventh-day Adventists, explosive growth of Baptists and Methodists during the Second Great Awakening, and the establishment of institutions like the American Bible Society.

Demographics

According to surveys by the Pew Research Center and the Public Religion Research Institute, Christianity remains the predominant religion, with Protestantism constituting the largest tradition, particularly within the Evangelical and Mainline Protestant branches. The Catholic Church is the largest single Christian denomination. Other significant religious groups include Judaism, Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism, and various new religious movements. The percentage of religiously unaffiliated Americans—including atheists, agnostics, and those describing their religion as "nothing in particular"—has grown substantially and now represents one of the largest cohorts. Demographic patterns show regional variations, such as a higher concentration of Lutherans in the Upper Midwest and Mormons in the Mountain West.

Major religious traditions

The Southern Baptist Convention is the largest Protestant denomination, while other major bodies include the United Methodist Church, the National Baptist Convention, USA, Inc., and the Church of God in Christ. The Catholic Church is led by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops and includes prominent sees like the Archdiocese of New York. Eastern Orthodox Christianity is represented by jurisdictions such as the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America. Non-Christian traditions are anchored by organizations like the Union for Reform Judaism, the Islamic Society of North America, and the Soka Gakkai International-USA. Indigenous religions, such as the Native American Church, continue to be practiced.

Religion and law

The relationship between religion and government is defined by the Establishment Clause and Free Exercise Clause of the First Amendment, interpreted by landmark Supreme Court cases. Key rulings include Engel v. Vitale (1962), which prohibited state-sponsored prayer in public schools, and Employment Division v. Smith (1990), which shaped the standard for religious exercise claims. The Religious Freedom Restoration Act was passed in response. Debates continue over issues like the display of the Ten Commandments on public property, exemptions from the Affordable Care Act's contraceptive mandate, and the scope of anti-discrimination laws as seen in cases like Masterpiece Cakeshop v. Colorado Civil Rights Commission.

Religion and society

Religious institutions have played central roles in American social movements, notably the abolitionist movement, the Social Gospel, the Civil Rights Movement led by figures like Martin Luther King Jr., and more recently in debates over abortion and same-sex marriage. Faith-based organizations, such as Catholic Charities USA and the Salvation Army, are major providers of social services. Religiosity correlates with political behavior, with groups like the Christian right and the Moral Majority historically influencing the Republican Party, while more secular voters and some religious minorities often align with the Democratic Party.

Trends and changes

The early 21st century has been marked by a steady decline in Christian affiliation, particularly among Millennials and Generation Z, a phenomenon often termed the "Rise of the Nones." Concurrently, there is a rise in spiritual but not religious identification. Denominations like the Episcopal Church and the Presbyterian Church (USA) have experienced significant membership losses, while some non-denominational evangelical churches have grown. Increased immigration from Asia and Africa has contributed to the growth of religions like Islam and Hinduism, changing the religious composition of cities and suburbs. Surveys by the General Social Survey indicate growing polarization, with a shrinking religious center and increasing numbers of both the devoutly religious and the secular.

Category:Religion in the United States