American religious expressions

Introduction

The United States has a rich history of religious expression. From the Amish to the Jehovah’s Witnesses, here are some common expressions from American culture:

Amish

If you’re interested in learning more about Amish culture, here are a few ways to get started:

• Visit the Amish Museum in Pennsylvania. This museum has more than 20 interactive exhibits and displays that will give you insight into their daily lives. You can also learn how they make their clothes, grow their food and raise their children.

• Check out one of their own churches if possible—they’re always open! If not, there are plenty of others who can tell you all about what it’s like to live as an Amish person today (and maybe even take some photos).

Baptist

Baptists are Protestant Christians who believe in baptism by immersion. Baptists reject infant baptism, and baptize believers only. The Baptist faith is based on the Bible, and the Bible alone.

Baptists believe that all people should have access to God through Jesus Christ—even if they do not know Him personally yet or have never believed in Him before (1 Corinthians 1:17). They also believe that every Christian should serve as a role model for others by living out their faith in practical ways such as serving others or caring for others’ needs (Matthew 25:35-36).

Brethren

The Brethren movement is a Christian movement that began in the first half of the 19th century. It comes from the German word meaning “brothers,” and it refers to Christians who believe in baptism by immersion, rather than infant baptism as other denominations do. Brethren also reject the use of military weapons, tobacco products and alcohol.

The term “Brethren” can be used interchangeably with Dunkers or Tunkers; however these names are not used by all churches within this denomination because some churches refer to themselves as either “Dunker” or “Tunker.”

Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS)

Mormons are one of the fastest growing religious groups in the United States. They believe in the Bible, Book of Mormon and other scriptures. Members of this religion have been called Latter-day Saints because they believe that God’s last prophet on earth lived on earth today as Joseph Smith Jr., who organized a new church after he discovered golden plates containing ancient records from an American Indian tribe called Indians who were visited by Jesus Christ during his second coming. The golden plates are said to contain a history about how people lived before Adam and Eve were created by God; how angels came down from heaven; how Adam disobeyed God; how Christ died for us; how we can be saved through baptism by him (water), receiving ordinances such as marriage for time periods determined by families (for example: if you marry someone who dies within 15 minutes after your marriage ceremony starts then you will continue living together forever).

Congregationalist

Congregationalists are a type of Protestant church that believes in the priesthood of all believers. They believe each congregation is autonomous and not affiliated with any larger group. Congregationalists also believe in the priesthood of all believers, meaning that all members have the same authority to perform spiritual tasks within their respective congregations.

Congregationalist churches vary greatly from other Christian denominations because they do not have any governing body or hierarchy, but rather form independent groups around a particular topic or idea. For example, there may be several different congregations focused on various topics such as health care or youth ministry at one church location; however these churches remain separate despite being part of a larger network (for example: Presbyterianism).

Episcopalian

Episcopalian is the name of a denomination of Christians who follow the teachings of Jesus Christ and the apostles. They believe that God created all people to be spiritual, not physical; therefore, they reject any form of racism or sexism. Episcopalians believe that everyone deserves to be treated with dignity and respect, regardless of whether they’re rich or poor; this makes them different from most other religious groups who tend to favor some people over others based on their financial status.

Episcopalians also have strong beliefs about sexuality: They believe that relationships should be based on love instead of lust (which means sex outside marriage isn’t okay), but they also recognize that sex can help create lasting bonds between two married partners who care deeply about each other—even if those feelings aren’t always romantic!

Evangelical Christian

Evangelical Christians believe that the Bible is the ultimate authority on faith and practice. The Bible, they say, is God’s word to man. It has been preserved in its original language by men who wrote it down over many centuries. They believe that God speaks directly to us through his Word (the Bible), which tells us how we should live our lives here on earth so as to please him in heaven.

Evangelicals also believe that personal salvation through Jesus Christ is necessary for everyone; there is no other way into heaven except through him! And if you don’t believe this then you’re not saved at all! And if someone else tells you otherwise they’re wrong too because only Christians can go straight back home after death when we die like Jesus did after dying on Calvary Hill outside Jerusalem during Passover week around 33 AD where he was crucified upside down then died quickly (15–18 minutes) before being taken down off the cross whereupon his blood poured onto stone pavement below–a symbolically gruesome sight indeed even though most people today would probably want nothing more than another cupcake instead…

Jehovah’s Witness

Jehovah’s Witnesses are Christians who believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God and was born to a virgin. They do not believe in the Trinity or other aspects of Christian theology. The Witnesses also reject all forms of blood transfusion, believing that it would be a violation of their religious principles.

Jehovah’s Witnesses believe that God’s power exists outside time, space and matter; therefore, everything in nature has been created by him (1 Corinthians 8:6).

Lutheran

Lutherans are a Protestant church that follows the teachings of Martin Luther. They believe in the authority of the Bible, and their theological beliefs center on justification by grace through faith alone (sola fide) rather than on works or good behavior. The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod was formed from several churches across the United States who were seeking unity after World War I, but it did not become an official denomination until 1943 when it merged with other Lutheran bodies into what is now known as “Lutherans”.

In contrast to some other Christian denominations, Lutherans do not accept infant baptism—they believe infants should be baptized only after they come to understand their own salvation through God’s grace through faith alone (sola fide).

Methodists

Methodists are a major Protestant group that originated in England. The name derives from the Methodist baptismal vows of poverty, chastity and obedience.

Methodism is a Christian denomination which was founded by John Wesley (1703–1791). It is one of the largest denominations in the United States.

Pentecostal

Pentecostalism is a Christian movement that began in the early 20th century. It can be defined as any of several Christian traditions that emphasize the baptism of the Holy Spirit and speaking in tongues, or glossolalia. Pentecostals believe that speaking in tongues is evidence of receiving God’s power for miracles and healing.

The term “Pentecostal” is derived from Acts 2:1–4 where Peter preached about Jesus’ first coming to Earth as well as his second coming (2 Peter 1:11–12). According to this passage, Peter said that there would come a time when people would receive what he called “the baptism with fire.” The Greek word for “baptism” here means immersion into water (John 3:6). But what’s important here isn’t just how they were baptised; it’s also why they were baptised!

Presbyterian

Presbyterianism is a form of church government, believing in the importance of scripture and the priesthood of all believers. Presbyterians believe in the sovereignty of God and are known for their commitment to education. They also support women’s ordination and oppose homosexuality as a sin.

The first Presbyterian Church was founded by John Knox in Scotland in 1560, but it didn’t become widespread until after his death when James VI Stuart became King of England (1567). In 1609, he created Episcopalianism by merging two churches: Church of England (Anglican) and Kirkcaldy Kirk (Presbyterian).

Conclusion

In a future post, we’ll look at some of the different kinds of religious expressions that exist today. And if you want more information on how to get involved in your community or church, check out our resources section!