Introduction
Cultural diversity in society is an unavoidable and unique phenomenon that is central to human development. Unfortunately, several multicultural issues arise when individuals from different backgrounds interact because many people strongly hold onto their beliefs. Thus, it is critical to understand the backgrounds, history, and practices of different cultures to limit discrimination and marginalization when offering essential services. Christianity is one of the oldest and most prominent religions worldwide. In the US, Christians constitute of the majority of individuals when compared to other religions. Nevertheless, some Christian groups still face oppression due to their beliefs. Thus, the following passages provide a brief description of Christianity, its history, traditions and cultural practices, and the current demographic information.
Brief History and Background of Christianity in the US
Christianity is a faith that traces its roots back to more than two thousand years ago, when a group of individuals shifted from Judaism and decided to follow Christ, the son of God and a savior sent from Heaven. However, the religion established its presence in the US during the 16th century when immigrants from European countries, including England, Scandinavian Countries, and Spain, settled in the region after fleeing from persecution (Smith, 2022). Although Christianity is a faith that worships one God, there have been several divisions within the church, particularly in the US, thus giving rise to several denominations and heated conflicts during the 17th and 18th centuries (Delehanty et al., 2019). Nevertheless, the Catholic Church and Protestants are the major denominations in the US with a vast following worldwide.
Major Cultural Practices and Traditions
Christians are committed to an intrinsic mission of converting all individuals to follow God through Jesus Christ, believed to be the Son of God and the only saviour. Christians believe that Christ will come for the second time and claim God’s kingdom and his people by defeating the devil in a final battle (Delehanty et al., 2019). However, Christians abide by the teachings of chosen men in the Bible and Christ’s commandments, intended to guide them toward living righteously. The spiritual practices that Christians engage in include fasting, daily devotions, reading the Bible, taking sacraments, and frequently attending the church. Moreover, they celebrate events such as the Eucharist, The Lord’s supper, Easter, and the Birth of Christ.
Current Demographic Information
Currently, Christianity is the most popular religion in the US. Demographic statistics estimate that about 75% of the US population are Christians. A majority of this population are Protestants, constituting of about 230-250 million individuals, and Roman Catholics who add up to about 150-260 million people. Other denominations include Seventh Day Adventists, Mormons, and Orthodox Christians. However, there are other smaller groups including Jehovah Witness and smaller parishes (Patte, 2019). About 62% of individuals who identify as Christians are members of church congregations scattered all over the US. Nevertheless, statistics suggests that the number of Christians in the US has been declining steadily over the past decades.
Conclusion
Globalization, business organizations, educational institutions, and social institutions have unified individuals from all walks of life. As a result, cultural diversity has become common in all areas of human life. Christians make up one of the largest cultural groups in the US. They abide by a doctrine of following Christ and living by his teachings. Subsequently, they are dedicated to spreading the word to all other individuals and converting them to Christianity. Nevertheless, they hold unique beliefs and engage in various practices. Therefore, their differences can expose them to inappropriate treatment, discrimination, and marginalization despite their vast numbers.
References
Delehanty, J., Edgell, P., & Stewart, E. (2019). Christian America? Secularized evangelical discourse and the boundaries of national belonging. Social Forces, 97(3), 1283-1306. Web.
Patte, D. (Ed.). (2019). The Cambridge Dictionary of Christianity, Two Volume Set (Vol. 5). Wipf and Stock Publishers.
Smith, K. (2022). Cult of the Dead: A Brief History of Christianity. University of California Press.