Strength Of Religion In America

Much like a chameleon has the ability to alter its colors when confronted with a continually changing environment, religion in America is constantly adapting to accommodate its ever-evolving society. Throughout history, religion has played a crucial part in the lives of African Americans by acting as one of the only outlets of freedom in a society that was stripped of the majority of their social, political, and economic rights. More specifically, during the Civil Rights Movement, activist and minister, Martin Luther King Jr. referenced the teachings of Christianity and stories from the bible in his book, Strength to Love, in order to encompass and embody the practice of nonviolence and unconditional love in the presence of evil. Strength to …show more content…
That said, because it's a very diverse and multicultural place, even if one particular religion is dominating right now, it might become a minority in a few years because of how often society's views and beliefs change. Thus, in order to keep the peace amongst citizens in an environment that's regularly evolving, remaining unprejudiced and tolerant by practicing agape love is crucial, regardless of if one's own faith differs. In the sermon “Loving Your Enemies” in Strength to Love King explains, “We recognize that [a person's] hate grows out of fear, pride, ignorance, prejudice, and misunderstanding…” (45). Although Dr. King was addressing his quote more specifically towards what was happening during the Civil Rights Movement with racism, this saying remains true in every way and can explain why we still live in an intolerant society. Even in America, where it’s known to be more accepting than in other areas around the world, we still find individuals who are hateful and prejudice. While Religious experiences are different for all religions, it is important to remember that they are very personal for the one experiencing it, and we, as humans should respect all beliefs regardless because, “ Hate scars the soul and distorts the personality” ( King 47), so, loving and accepting every …show more content…
As explained in King's sermon, “The Death Of Evil Upon The Seashore”, “Evil carries the seed of its own destruction” (82), Martin Luther King was trying to explain that, in the end, evil will die out because love always prevails also revealing that, “Love, even for enemies is the key to the solution of the problems of our world” (44). The evilness that surrounds society is no match for the love found in it. Today, the religious experience in America might be overshadowed by negativity and discrimination, however, King's book explains that evil always seems to have an expiration date, it cannot surpass love. That said, I believe that we are living in a time where different religious practices are more widely accepted than ever before; however, I don’t necessarily believe that America's able to say that religious discrimination is nonexistent. If individuals begin to listen to and practice the writings of Dr. King I feel as though, one day religious discrimination will no longer be in