ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses the role of religion in US society. It examines religious history and the diversity of contemporary denominations; considers the relationship between religion and the state; and assesses personal attitudes toward institutional religion and spiritual experience. Many Western countries have experienced modern declines in religious observance and increased secularization. These changes have been attributed to the effects of industrialization, consumerism, materialism, individualism and expanded education. A majority of people say they are interested in "spiritual" matters but think that beliefs are increasingly treated as arbitrary and unimportant. Religious observance may sometimes be more socially directed than devout. Spirituality may exist outside of denominational identity and can reflect a disillusionment with organized or institutional religion and a need for more personal forms of self-definition. Religious pluralism can indicate vitality and toleration of different religions, but it may also be divisive as denominations quarrel with each other.
