Christianity as culture
Section One: The Jesus of Christianity
Section Two: Cultural Influence of Christianity
According to popular statistics, between 70-80% of Americans consider themselves Christians, even if they don’t belong to any particular religious organization. This means that Christianity is, and has been, a major influence in shaping the culture of the USA. That would include family traditions, social customs, and even legal and political institutions.
This influence can be experienced most during the Christmas season. Though it has emerged as a more secular holiday in modern times, the Christmas season was initially a celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ, the centerpiece of the Christian religion. To understand the importance of Christ's birth, however, you must first understand the importance of Christ himself.
According to Christian religion, all men are children of one God who lives in Heaven. Because all people are not perfect and sometimes have bad desires in their heart or do bad things, this means that they have broken God's laws and so they cannot go to Heaven when they die.
To remedy this problem. God, the father, sent his son, Jesus, to come down to earth to sacrifice himself for all mankind, to pay the price of everyone's sins and shortcomings.
Jesus was a teacher and missionary for three years. He taught about love, peace, kindness and forgiveness. He was finally killed by Roman authorities and other religious leaders of the day.
However, Jesus came to life again three days later, and because of this, all people who die will come alive again. They will have a physical body that will last forever. They will also have the chance to go to Heaven.
Christ's teaching about charity, forgiveness, and working out one's own personal salvation, strongly influenced American Law and Culture.
Christianity played a significant role in shaping early American society, laws, and values. Many of the first European settlers in America were Christians, and their beliefs influenced how they built their communities. Below, we explore how Christian ideas shaped different aspects of American life.
Christian teachings emphasize honesty, integrity, and personal responsibility. These values influenced early American laws. For example, laws against stealing or lying in court reflected Christian ideas about right and wrong. Early settlers believed that following these moral rules created a fair and trustworthy society. For example, in colonial towns, people could be fined or punished for breaking promises or cheating in business.
Christians believe that humans are special because they are created "in the image of God." This idea led to the belief that every person has value and deserves respect. This concept influenced important American documents like the Declaration of Independence (1776), which says that all people have "unalienable rights" like life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. This idea of human dignity helped lay the foundation for modern human rights.
Christianity teaches people to care for the poor, sick, and needy. The Bible’s command to "love your neighbor as yourself" encouraged early Americans to help others. This led to traditions of charity, such as building hospitals, orphanages, and community organizations to support those in need.
In the 1800s, Christian groups like the Quakers and Methodists started charities to feed the hungry and provide shelter for the homeless. Over time, these ideas influenced government programs, like social welfare systems, to help people in need.
The Protestant work ethic, especially from the Puritan settlers, taught that hard work, saving money, and using resources wisely were important. Puritans believed that working diligently was a way to honor God. This idea became a core part of American culture, encouraging productivity, innovation, and success.
Farmers and craftsmen in early America worked long hours and valued self-reliance, reflecting this work ethic. This belief also shaped the American Dream, the idea that hard work can lead to a better life.
Christians observe the Sabbath, a day of rest, usually on Sunday. This practice influenced early American laws that protected Sunday as a day for rest and worship. Many businesses and government offices close on Sundays, except for essential services like hospitals and certain service industries like restaurants and shopping malls. The tradition of Sunday as a day of rest still influences American culture, with many families using it for relaxation or religious activities.
Many early American schools and universities were founded by Christian groups. They believed literacy was important so people could read the Bible. Schools also taught moral values alongside subjects like reading, writing, and math. Famous universities like Harvard (founded in 1636) and Yale (founded in 1701) started as Christian institutions to train ministers and educate young people.
In the past, colonial schools often began the day with a prayer or Bible reading to encourage moral behavior. Over time, education became more secular (non-religious), but the focus on literacy and ethical values remained a key part of American schooling.
Christianity encouraged early Americans to work together for the common good. Churches were often the center of community life, hosting events, charity drives, and discussions about local issues. This sense of community influenced the idea of civic duty—participating in society to make it better. Churches organized town meetings where people discussed laws and community needs, strengthening democratic ideas. This community spirit also inspired volunteerism, which remains a strong tradition in the United States today.
Protestant Christianity, fostered a strong sense of individualism in American culture by emphasizing a personal relationship with God, where individuals could pray and read the Bible without intermediaries. This further promoted the idea of inherent individual worth. It reinforced the idea that individuals could challenge authority and shape their own destinies. This blend of personal faith, worth, and freedom created a culture that celebrates individual initiative, autonomy, and success.
These values can be summed up as: