JoBenjamin Thiessens

Religious Diversity in the US

RELS-2400-401-F18

Salt Lake Community College

12/04/2018

Reflection
1. In what ways have you become more aware of your religious landscape?

I have to say that this course has been the most impactful I have taken so far at SLCC. Not only with the
interesting facts and histories relating to the diverse religions and practices that can be found in modern
America, but the practical ways in which I can personally relate to them. When we began the semester, I
had a relatively good idea of the major religions that populate the Salt Lake valley but was keenly
unaware of just how diverse the area is. There is a grand mix of major and minor religions, including
Hindu and Buddhist groups as well as spiritualists and the wide array of Christian denominations. Early in
the semester one of the assignments I completed was to survey an area of the valley (about a 5-mile
radius as I recall) and identify the various religions that practice in that area. I was very surprised to see
just how many churches and places of worship that exist in such a small area. It was also helpful to read
online the data that the Pew Research Center has compiled pertaining to how religions are represented
in terms of population nationwide. In addition to this research, the study we completed in and outside
of class that explained the beliefs and practices of the world religions was very helpful.

2. What do you believe is a responsible relationship between religion and American Culture?

A responsible relationship between religion and American culture could mean a variety of different
things. America was founded on values that preach acceptance and inclusivity of all tribes and tongues.
After all, we are a mixing pot of diversity, and this naturally has presented many challenges to society.
The government has been tasked with passing legislation that is fair, inclusive, and unbiased towards
one religion or culture over another. Because the United States and its former colonies were formed by
Christian believers, the journey toward religious freedom for every belief has been long and difficult.
Admittedly, I am not qualified or worthy to determine how our culture should relate to religion because
I too can be accused of bias and profiling of groups foreign to me. I will say that the relationship will be a
give and take on both sides; it is a two-way street. American society must find a way to be inclusive of
other religions and their practices, and in the same regard, foreign cultures and believers have to
understand that American does have a Christian history. Even today most of the nation identifies as
believing in the Christian god, and therefore their world view is shaped by those beliefs. Some traditions
and practices will naturally be strange to our western eyes, and the law of the land unavoidably makes it
difficult for some practices to be done properly. There will need to a concession on both sides of the
coin, and a middle ground must be made save one ultimately submitting to the other.
3. As we face increasing diversity, how are our beliefs and identities (as American) changing to
accommodate this diversity?

One thing that I have learned is that our society has not historically been the greatest at assimilating
world religions into its culture. Although we have gotten better at being more accepting and respectful, I
believe that improvements will always be possible in improving relations with these groups. The
greatest thing that stood out to me was the difference in how we’ve treated religious populations on
American shores during war time. During WWII the United States rounded up most of the Japanese-
American population and put them into camps because of profiling and fear. In contrast, after the 9/11
attacks, president George W. Bush made a statement in defense of the American Islamic population. I
believe his speech went a long way in reducing fear and hate towards these groups because of the acts
of foreign extremists. Also, it can be seen in popular media and culture that other religions are being
represented, and therefore it can be shown that America is making changes to better include and accept
these groups.

4. How is this course connected to other courses you have taken and/or to your everyday life?

There has not been a connection to my other courses, but there has been one in my everyday life. When
we were first given the assignment to search out different religions and to attend services of a couple of
them, I can honestly say it made me nervous. Along with the positive light being cast in our society of
acceptance, we have to admit that there has been prejudice and profiling against people of other
religions and cultures. I cannot say that I wasn’t found among those who do this very thing. My feelings
were not out of hatred or racism, but simply out of lies and stereotypes that have been propagated. I
was surprised and joyed to learn how wonderfully friendly and peaceful these foreigners actually are. As
a small group, we only attended two different world religions’ services, but my fear has been completely
dissolved and I can honestly say that I have a real desire to explore other traditions and meet people of
a wide range of religions! We did visit an Orthodox Christian service and this experience sparked an
interest in me that has spread to my personal life in the pursuit of this particular tradition. Only time will
tell what the future holds in my personal relationship to the religious diversity in the United States.