English 101/ Hicks
Over the last several decades America has been evolving towards many
significant changes. One of these changes has posed a question, whether or not
America has become secular. Although we may be uncertain of many of these
changes and how they will affect our future, the answer to our secularity is
quite obvious. America has indeed become secular.
I think that in a society where being successful is everything, our
religious beliefs tend to get lost in the "survival of the fittest" lifestyle
that we lead everyday. Of course we all have certain standards in which we
believe and live by. A good example of the standard behavior that makes us so
secular is in Wil Herbergs essay This American Way Of Life. Herbergs says so
well , "the American way of life is a symbol by which Americans define
themselves and establish their unity." The author means to imply that unity is
something we all strive for. To be American is to be part a huge family, no
matter what gender, color, or background. We stick together. We fight together,
we laugh together, we grieve together as Americans.
Terms like democracy, individuality, self-reliance are all words we
relate to as Americans. We teach our kids that we should be grateful everyday to
be Americans. In this country we can choose our own destination. We can be
whatever we want. I think that being a secular country brings us together and
makes us stronger.We don't have questions we can't answer. We don't hear
stories of people or things we can't prove exist. We know what we have overcome
to be where we are today, and we know what we want to plan for our future. As
quoted in Herbergs essay, "The things that make us proud to be Americans are of
the soul and of the spirit." That quote said by Mr. Eisenhower exemplifies an
American religion, or standard by which we look for guidance and reassurance.And
it is not something we should be ashamed of. Our country has survived more that
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