II. Historical Overview of Christianity in the United States

Outline of Christianity in the United States

A. Arrival and establishment of Christianity in the early colonies:

  1. European colonization and the spread of Christianity to the New World.
  2. The role of religious motivations and denominational differences among the early settlers.
  3. The establishment of the Anglican Church in Virginia and the Congregationalist tradition in New England.

B. Influence of the First Great Awakening and Second Great Awakening:

  1. The First Great Awakening (1730s-1740s) and its impact on religious fervor and conversions.
  2. Key figures and movements associated with the First Great Awakening, such as George Whitefield and Jonathan Edwards.
  3. The Second Great Awakening (early 19th century) and its emphasis on personal conversion and religious revivalism.
  4. Societal transformations resulting from the Second Great Awakening, including the rise of new denominations and the expansion of Protestantism.

C. Denominational diversity and growth:

  1. The rise of Protestant denominations, including Methodism, Baptist churches, and Presbyterianism.
  2. The influence of Catholicism and the growth of Catholic immigrant communities.
  3. The impact of European immigrants and their respective Christian traditions, such as Lutheranism and Eastern Orthodoxy.
  4. The expansion of Christian missionary efforts within and outside the United States.

D. Key figures and movements in American Christianity:

  1. The influence of evangelical leaders, such as Billy Graham, on American Christianity in the 20th century.
  2. The role of social reform movements, including the abolitionist movement and the social gospel movement.
  3. The emergence of Christian fundamentalism and its impact on religious and political spheres.
  4. The Civil Rights Movement and the involvement of Christian leaders, including Martin Luther King Jr., in the pursuit of racial equality.

Note: This historical overview of Christianity in the United States provides a broad framework for understanding the arrival, growth, and influence of Christianity in different historical periods. Depending on the scope of the study, specific events, figures, or denominations may require further exploration and analysis.