Document Type
Article
Abstract
This research paper discusses the origins of religion in the nations of the United States and the Federal Republic of Germany. For the United States, the first religions were those of the European settlers. They brought with them Christianity, both Catholicism and Protestantism, as well as Judaism. Then, as immigration ramped up in the 19th and 20th centuries, many more religions arrived to America, such as Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism, as well as many more Christian followers. These immigrants came mostly from China, Africa, the Middle East, and southern and eastern Europe. As for Germany, a significantly older nation than the US, the origins of its religions can be traced back much farther. Germany can trace its religious origins back to the ancient Germanic religions which are largely based on the Norse religions, with Odin being the “God of gods”. Then, as the Romans moved further into today’s Europe, their religion began to gain Roman influence. As the Roman Empire adopted Christianity, so too would Germany. The split of Christianity at the hands of Martin Luther brought Protestantism to Germany. Then as immigration became a widespread phenomenon, so too would other religions such as Islam, Buddhism, and Hinduism. Comparing the two nations using statistical data shows that the contemporary United States seems to be more religious than the Federal Republic of Germany. However, this paper also argues that the two nations may find themselves more equal with the apparent growing trend of atheism or irreligion in general.
Recommended Citation
Adams, Dawson and Lorenz, Alexander
(2020)
"Origins of Religion: A Comparison between the United States and Germany,"
University of South Carolina Upstate Student Research Journal: Vol. 13, Article 9.
Available at:
https://scholarcommons.sc.edu/uscusrj/vol13/iss1/9