Outreach+&+Identity

Evangelism in the United States has been on the rise since the most evangelical religions, denominations within the Protestant branch and Mormon branch of Christianity have begun to expand throughout America. The definition of Evangelism is the winning or revival of personal commitments to Christ. On the other hand the term Outreach meaning is to surpass in reach, which is another term used for spreading ones faith and could be used outside of Christianity. (Merriam online) About 78.4% of Americans claim to be some sort of Christian, 4.7% claim to be of some other faith, while 16.1% claim to be unaffiliated with a religion. (Religions online) Out of all the religions within the United States, there are very few religions and denominations that are passionate about spreading their faith. Some religions keep their faith very personal and private, while others are open and welcoming into their faith.
 * Outreach **

In the Christian faith only 26% of US citizens within certain denominations are passionate about spreading the Gospel. Looking worldwide there are about 645million evangelicals, making up 11% of the world’s population.(Exminister Online) This is an offshoot branch of Protestantism that is known for their evangelical ways of how they approach their life. Most of these churches that are considered evangelical also have outreach programs to draw others into the church or faith. Many are passionate about mission work and showing true, authentic Christianity through literal interpretation of the Bible, but this is a generalization.

Aside from the Evangelical Protestants, many Christians still claim to be evangelical bringing the number of evangelicals up to 42%. (Gallup online) Mormons are known for their mission work, a form of outreach that they partake in after high school. Men generally go on a two year mission at the age of 19 to a foreign country leaving behind family, girlfriends, friends and supporters. Some Mormon women go at the age of 21 serving for about 18 months overseas in a foreign country. The outreaches and mission trips have been building up the Mormon Church in the recent years.

Some closed off religions like, Jews and Muslims are not known for their outward expression to invite people into their faith.(Wolfe) They are not called evangelicals because they are not spreading the Christian gospel, and very few do outreach programs. Because they are not outwardly open religions, these religions have the risk of losing followers and not gaining the ones lost. However, with all this being said there are people within these religions that are passionate about sharing what they believe.

Faith is a very personal and private matter for many people. Evangelical’s passion drives them to spread their faith and endure the struggles that may come while spreading their beliefs. The faith of [|Evangelicals] goes beyond just the basis of outreach and have deeper  meaning.As the Evangelical Protestants followers continue to rise, so will the outwardly expression of faith with in the United States. The faith of individuals in America drives the heart of this country and what we as a nation believe.

Many immigrants come to America in search for the “[|American dream]”, while the American citizens living in the United States are also in search of it. The “American dream” includes the normal family, large house, substantial income, and the freedom of religion. This concept is transforming the ways of religion. The United States population majority consists of 240,693,135 Christians, with minorities given freedom to practice how they would like. (Census online) As many immigrants come to America from overseas, there is a trend beginning that has multiple people converting from their native religion into the Christian religion so they may become a typical American. Some immigrants take the approach of mixing cultures and religions, and there are a few, like Muslims, who stay true to their native religion while living in a new home land.
 * Identity **

When coming into a new land the feeling of belonging is important and conversion is a way for many immigrants to feel like they belong. For example, when Koreans come over to the United States they are leaving their Buddhist roots for a more traditional form, of religion. Overseas in Korea Buddhism is considered more of a way of life than an actual religion. The new Koreans jump on board with Christianity to identify themselves as Americans and to identify themselves within religion. As a result of this, many Korean Evangelical churches are popping up throughout the United States.(Wolfe) Within the churches are Korean and English services as well as normal aspects in a regular Protestant church. These Koreans that are immigrating give up everything they’ve ever known for an important opportunity.

Some wish for the “American dream” when coming to the United States, but plan on staying true to their beliefs and native religions. Muslims for example come to America for a new start and the “American dream”, but continue to wear the head scarfs and practice their traditional beliefs. With the freedom in America they are allowed to worship publically with their traditions and rituals being respected. This group tends to be criticized for their way of life, but like any other religion that is criticized they put up with it because it is their true belief. They stay true to their identity of being a traditional Muslim.

Within the United States, people still search for their way of life and of they identify themselves in faith. Many choose the traditional Christian route, while others choose the lesser known faiths. Just like immigrants, citizens of the United States get confused when searching for their way of life. In order to gain the “American dream” one must realize that the freedom of choice in religion allows for the choice of identity. To live the true “American dream” one must fully identify themselves.

The United States allows for opportunity and growth as a person and in life. One must identify their faith to have a road map through their life. Whether it means converting like the Koreans, or staying true to their original faith like the Muslims, the road map that the religion allows guides ones’ life. The “American dream” is achievable if the steps are taken to better ones’ beliefs.

Works Cited "Dictionary." //Dictionary and Thesaurus - Merriam-Webster Online//. Web. 08 Feb. 2012. . "Evangelicalism by Paul Benedict." //Ex-Minister Organization Website Main Page//. Web. 08 Feb. 2012. . "Population: Religion." //Census Bureau Homepage//. Web. 07 Feb. 2012. . "Statistics on Religion in America Report." //Religion in American Culture -- Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life//. Web. 08 Feb. 2012. . "U.S. Evangelicals: How Many Walk the Walk?" //Gallup.Com - Daily News, Polls, Public Opinion on Politics, Economy, Wellbeing, and World//. Web. 08 Feb. 2012. . <span style="color: #0070c0; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 10pt;">Wolfe, Alan. //The Transformation of American Religion: How We Actually Live Our Faith//. New York: Free, 2003. Print. <span style="color: #0070c0; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 13px;">"File:Religions of the United States.png." //Wikipedia, the Free Encyclopedia//. Web. 10 Feb. 2012. <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Religions_of_the_United_States.png>.

<span style="color: #0070c0; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 13px;">"Who Can Serve a Mormon Mission? | Mormon Beliefs." //Mormon Beliefs: What Mormons Believe about Jesus Christ//. Web. 10 Feb. 2012. [].>