Every society is formed out of the common bonds that unite its inhabitants. The traditions and customs, socio-cultural values, and religious principles of the people very often play significant roles in the formation of a society. Religion has been the key factor in the formation of the American society; however, ever since the formation of the American society the role of religion has undergone considerable changes and one could see the present American society where the state and the Church stand in opposite poles. In the pursuit of power and domination globally, the religious values of the society have given way to industrialization, materialism, utilitarianism, capitalism, and power politics.
The core values that once determined the American way of life were thoroughly Christian and the very concept of right and wrong in the society was decided by the dominant Christian values and morality in the American society.
However, Christianity has lost its influential power over the American people, and “without the Christian banner to anchor the national spirit on a unified (albeit ever unpopular among most folks) system of ethics defined by their religion, America is still at a loss with regard to just what we as a nation wish to consider “right” and “wrong” or “just” and “unjust” (Is Utilitarianism Compatible with the Core Values of an American Society? Why? Why not? 2008). Puritans laid emphasis on education and the Puritan ethics of truthfulness, conscientiousness, hard- work and self-discipline have influenced the formation of American society. However, when the church lost its hold over the believers the moral codes and ethical values upheld by the organized religion suffered great setbacks and this has adversely affected the morale and religious life of the American society.
Modernism and the changed lifestyle of people caused great harm to the basic social institution –family. The disintegration of a marriage as an institution and the breakdown in family relationships were the ultimate results of this moral degradation. “It is through organized religion and family modeling that values and beliefs are inculcated in the younger generation” (Religion and Cultural Values, 2008), and therefore the breakdown of families had far-reaching effects for the nation. The increased rate of divorces, the number of unmarried mothers, growth of child sexual abuse, orphans, and deserted aged people were the results of the failure of marriage as a social institution.
The social and moral life of the American society witnessed degradation as the puritan way of life gave way to modernism. The rapid growth of science and technology-enhanced global relations; on the other hand, it also created more opportunities for the people of America to move away from religious faith. As Mohanty makes it clear: “No doubt technology and modernization have brought spectacular changes to human society at the same time it has also created many latent dysfunctions.” (Purna, 2005).
The attitude and outlook of people towards life and religion also underwent remarkable changes. It is generally accepted that there is much in common between law and religion in American society. However, research and studies have shown that the present generation gives more importance to individuality rather than religion in the making of American law. In this regard, the Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life observes: “Although the public sees a strong link between Christianity and the country’s national identity, a July 2006 poll indicates that most Americans think citizen preferences should outweigh the Bible as an influence on American law” (Religion & the Law, 2008).
One needs to take into account the effects of multiculturalism, multi racism, racial and regional diversity, and the factors associated with ethnicity on American society. America is regarded as a multicultural nation with a lot of ethnic diversities. There are many who hold that “there has been a division within society on religious grounds” and that religion “nurtures censorship, suppression, and domination of the majority by a few.” (Howe, 2001).
It is therefore significant that the American constitution has offered freedom of religion to its citizens. Secular education, in this respect, has a pivotal role to play in American society to develop tolerance and respect towards other religions and cultures. Students should be taught to respect the differences and diversity of other ethnic groups and people belonging to different cultures. Thus, an effective way to tackle multiculturalism is the key to the successful formation of societal relationships in America.
Thus, it is evident from the above discussion that there is an essential difference between being American and being religious. It is not the religious culture that prevails in the American society; rather one comes across a military culture that seeks to gain global dominance over other countries. The puritan values that once governed the American society are unable to offer spiritual solace to the people and the puritan values have given way to compete for economic and military dominance. Thus the Americans’ statement that “In God we trust,” does not go in tune with the American way of life where one can experience a clear separation of Church and the State.
Bibliography
Is Utilitarianism Compatible with the Core Values of an American Society? Why? Why not? Yahoo Answers, 2008. Web.
Religion and Cultural Values. Asian-American Families – Religion and Cultural Values, 2008. Web.
Purna, Mohanty. Reflecting Cultural Values. Philadelphia: Paper Presented at the Annual Meeting of the American Sociological Association, Marriott Hotel, Loews Philadelphia Hotel, 2005. Web.
Religion & the Law. The Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life, 2008. Web.
Howe, L. D. Religion in Society. 2001. Web.