The Appeal of American Christianity
Motives Why People are Drawn to Various Faith Traditions
Ideally, what attracts people to any faith tradition is a spiritual need. All of the great world religions represent ethics, the challenge to moral living, and an avenue toward salvation. Salvation is usually defined within the constraints of the faith system. It can be union with a divine force – nirvana, or an afterlife that reflects human life in a more glorious way, i.e., the “kingdom of God.”
Sincethe umbrella of Christianity is so wide, however, the attraction of denominational or church affiliation usually takes on a variety of differing forms.
American Christianity and Revivalism
Unlike the European state churches, Protestantism in America is divided into a myriad of faith groups. Many of these groups were created out of past revivalist movements, most notably the early 19th Century “Great Awakening.” The early Millerites, for example, became the Seventh Day Adventists. Some Millerites joined Joseph Smith’s emerging Mormons. Millerites believed in the immediate return of Christ and twice set firm dates for this appearance.
Revivalist preaching, often to great “un-churched” masses, relied on intense emotion and a personal commitment to God. From Charles Finney to Billy Sunday and eventually Billy Graham, tens of thousands responded to the altar calls, weeping and seeking personal salvation.
In many cases, respondents were spiritually unfulfilled by the mainstream churches such as the Lutherans, Episcopalians, and even the staid Congregationalists. The early life of Joseph Smith, for example, is indicative of this dilemma. As a teen, Smith prayed to God for guidance as to which of the many churches he should join. God’s answer was that none had the full truth and Joseph Smith was anointed to found the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.
Twenty-First Century Church Hopping
Although revivalism is no longer a national religious phenomenon, Christians today still switch faith traditions for a variety of reasons. Churches in the latter 20th-Century have changed as well, in part to accommodate the needs of people and provide support in many areas of everyday life.
Churches today facilitate food banks and soup kitchens. They provide community service opportunities. Many congregations offer affordable day care or preschool programs. So-called "mega churches" are run as small corporations with individualized departments that cater to different groups such as singles, businessmen, home-makers, youth ministries, and new converts. Some offer counseling in a variety of areas. In short, there is something for everyone.
Criticism of expanded ministries focuses on the motives of people affiliating with churches. Insurance brokers might join a large church in order to expand potential contacts. Unemployed folks use church programs like Sunday school to develop networks. Lonely singles are seeking partners and the annual ski trip might appeal to teens.
The Changing Appeal of Christianity
In certain areas like the southeastern United States, Catholicism is growing, chiefly because Protestants want more than the social club atmosphere of Sunday worship and have a deep need for ritual. Similarly, Christians are converting to Islam because it offers structure and accepts no compromise: Muslims follow the ethics of the Five Pillars and do so because they really want to.
Pentecostal groups, often listed as interdenominational churches, are also seeing an increase in membership. New members find solace in intense spontaneous prayer, the workings of spiritual gifts through individuals such as speaking in tongues and healing, and a greater camaraderie of fellow believers.
American faith traditions are, historically, fleeting, as in the case of the Shakers. The appeal of Christianity, for whatever reason beyond actual faith in God, is rooted in religious diversity that can be traced back to the Colonial Period. This is what makes American religion so unique and why a person looking for a compatible congregation has much to choose from.
Sources:
Harold Bloom, The American Religion (New York: Simon and Schuster, 1992).
R. Marie Griffith, American Religions: A Documentary History (Oxford University Press, 2007).
James A. Morone, Hellfire Nation: The Politics of Sin in American History (Yale University Press, 2003).
Spiritual Need Attracts People to Church
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