Over the last few years America has been evolving towards many important political and social changes. Some of these changes have posed a question, has America become secular? Although many Americans attend church and follow certain religious practices, it is quite obvious that America has indeed become secular. America has become an extremely competitive place. Religion affects our world in a variety of ways. The social, political, and individual functions are very important in basing the development of a society and how its people relate to it. Different religions promote different values or morals that will alter these functions and developments. Though all religions have a main goal of creating a society where the citizens feel their society and lifestyle is of the highest quality, America has indeed become secular.
I think that in a society where being rich or wealthy is everything, our religious beliefs tend to get lost in the "survival of the fittest" lifestyle that we lead everyday.
Of course we all have certain standards in which we believe and live by. A good example of the standard behavior that makes us so secular is in Will Herbergs essay, "This American Way of Life." Herbergs says, "the American way of life is a symbol by which Americans define themselves and establish their unity" (293). He means that unity is something we all strive for. To be American is to be part a huge family, no matter what gender, color, or background. We stick together. We fight together, we laugh together, and we grieve together as Americans.
Terms like democracy, individuality, and self-reliance are all words we relate to as Americans. We teach our kids that we should be grateful everyday to be Americans. In this country we can choose our own destination. We can be whatever we...
A Secular Life
Congratluations on a well written, well thought out essay. It is interesting for me as a non-American to hear your views on America as a secular society as that is definitely not the impression one gets as an outsider looking in.
You raised many points that I don't really agree with but you put forward your views quite convincingly so maybe we can just agree to disagree! For example, the banning of headscarves in French schools may also be seen as an example of democracy and equality at work rather than an infringement upon democratic principles. Also, do you think pride in being an American is actually enough to sustain people? Is it any easier to define what it is to be American than what it is to be religious? I don't think so. I do think that there is the need for some level of sprituality in our lives whether people find this through organised religion or through other means.
However, none of this detracts from the fact that you did a good job here. Thanks!
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