Religious History
Other than Christianity, the four major religions practiced in the United States are Judaism, Islam, Hinduism, and Buddhism. It is common to misinterpret the customs and values of these religions due to the major influence of Christianity in American history. A history of xenophobia within the country and a lack of education
has resulted in the formation of societal stigmas associated with these religions including terrorism. This page expands on the history and beliefs, forms of persecution, and the modern conflicts of these marginalized religions.
Other than Christianity, the four major religions practiced in the United States are Judaism, Islam, Hinduism, and Buddhism. It is common to misinterpret the customs and values of these religions due to the major influence of Christianity in American history. A history of xenophobia within the country and a lack of education has resulted in the formation of societal stigmas associated with these religions including terrorism. This page expands on the history and beliefs, forms of persecution, and the modern conflicts of these marginalized religions.
Judaism History
Most Americans automatically associate Judaism with Hanukkah and the Holocaust, yet many fail to realize that the term “Jew” can refer to someone by their religion or ethnicity. While the majority of the international Jewish population reside in either the United States or Israel, Americans that practice Judaism make up less than 2% of the country’s population. Although it is often taught that Jews migrated to the United States for religious freedom, the Ku Klux Klan targeted Jews along with African Americans in the early twentieth century. This page draws attention to the religious beliefs of Jews and emphasizes the importance of architecture and infrastructure in their culture.
Independent Learning
History and Beliefs
Persecution
Regions
Modern Conflict
Islam History
In America, many have normalized Muslim association with terrorism and illegal immigration since the attacks on September 11, 2001. Because of Al-Qaeda’s involvement with the attacks, this event increased discrimination against Muslims exponentially. Likewise, although Islamic history is included in world history curriculums, there is a lack of education on current Muslim presence in America. This page expands on Islamic beliefs, while also highlighting the modern struggles Muslims face.
Independent Learning
History and Beliefs
Persecution
Regions
Modern Conflict
Hinduism History
According to Pew Research Center, Hindus make up around 0.7% of the U.S. population, making Hinduism the country’s fourth largest practiced religion. Still, Hinduism is a minority religion, seeing as most Hindus in America are recent immigrants or the children of immigrants who practiced Hinduism in their native countries. This page includes resources devoted to the history, beliefs, persecution, regions, and modern conflicts in Hinduism.
History and Beliefs
Persecution
Regions
Modern Conflict
Buddhism History
Many immediately associate Buddhism with the Buddha and meditation, yet there is so much more to the religion that society fails to recognize. Buddhists developed several technological advancements, specifically in printing. Similar to Hinduism, around 0.7% of Americans practice Buddhism, and the majority of believers are between 18 and 29 years old. In addition, according to a 2014 study by Pew Research Center, 44% of Buddhists identify as White while 34% of the surveyed identified as Asian. To learn more, use the resources provided which highlight the unique aspects of Buddhism.
