A social class is a set of people within a society, who have the same level of socioeconomic. It is a group of people with the same prestigious standards of life. The life statuses of such people have proofed to have some influences on religious issues. In most nations, especially United States, several religions are categorized depending on the social status of people. For instance, the Protestants churches are mostly for people of high status (Johnstone, 2007). Depending on the history, those people with high status in the society have strong biases and are likely to get religious support. At times, this is seen as a form of discrimination and favors, but this is not always the case. The high-status people have a certain attitude and some values associated with their levels within the society. The social places that such people gather, including churches they look forward to be accorded the treatment with regard to their status.
In United States of America, racial integration in churches is not a common practice. The whites belong to high social classes and have their churches, while the Negroes belong to lower classes. Religion is believed to be a crucial aspect of social lives, and the social way of life is as well significant to the religion. The human societies, especially the people who understand the concepts of religion, have great influence on religious issues to their fellows (McCloud & Mirola, 2009). Religious beliefs are known to be very powerful, and capable of imposing some influences also to the society.
Social status of people in America is categorized by the wealth that is owned by individuals. The most powerful people, who have a lot of money, are the ones that belong to the high class. These people have the capability to influence the rest in terms of ideas and decision-making. Such people who are believers have a great influence to rest, as they act as examples. If they decide to follow and support the church, they can influence so many people in doing the same. Financially, they have the capability to offer assistance to any pending church activities. Through the support offered by such wealth people, the church can accomplish its mission of attracting as many people as possible to join its congregation (Johnstone, 2007). The high social class of most people is associated with much wealthy and high level of education. These two aspects influence the evangelicals in United States’ culture as well as in political issues. They have a high purchasing power of Christianity books, videos and films on Christian issues.
These people with social status are always the first ones to offer charitable contributions to aid for mission agencies and other church personnel. Their financial efforts are sometimes directed internationally to expand the churches, and ensure widespread of the gospel (Johnstone, 2007). Across the country, the church has managed to put up several permanent buildings for some Christians through the financial support of high social status individuals. These people provide most of the church activities that require finances.
References
Johnstone, L. (2007). Religion in society: A sociology of religion. Upper Saddle River: Prentice Hall.
McCloud, S., & Mirola, W. (2009). Religion and class in America: culture, history, and politics. New York: BRILL.