Today’s reading reminded me of a blog I wrote a couple days ago, where I talked about how the 2nd Great Awakening influenced the formation of the American identity. “As mass popular movements, churches came to be places in which fundamental political assumptions were forged: ideas about the meaning of America…” I found this statement interesting because I never considered that it was religion that helped contribute to what American democracy is. I always thought it was American democratic ideals came first and these influenced the development of religion in America. I also found it interesting when it said, “In an age when people expected almost everything from religion (and churches) and almost nothing from politics (and the state), the popular churches are essential to comprehending the enduring shape of American democracy.” I think people relied so heavily on religion and churches because it gave them a social outlet. People could discuss their ideas on religion, politics, etc. It was a place where they could build solid relationships in a developing country.
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