Charles Grandison Finney (August 29, 1792 August 16, 1875), often called "America's foremost revivalist," was a major leader of the Second Great Awakening in America, which had a great impact on the social history of the United States.

As a new nation, the United States was undergoing massive social flux during the 19th century, and this period birthed quite a large number of independent, trans-denominational religious movements such as Mormonism(1830) as well as Millerism (1830's and beyond) and its offshoots the Jehovah's Witnesses (1870), and the Seventh-day Adventist Church (1863). The nation's westward expansion brought about untold opportunities and a readiness to dispense with old thinking, an attitude that influenced people's religious understanding.

wikipedia.com

Tanya wrote:

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Roger Williams was the originator of the first Baptist Church in America, which was built in Rhode Island.  He disagreed with the beliefs of the Puritans, and allowed all religions to attend the Baptist Church.

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Don't forget about Anne Hutchinson, co-founder of America's other island (step aside Hawaii & Co.!). She too disagreed with the Puritans and she spoke her mind, which resulted in her banishment.

...and ready? I'm gonna tie this one into Reagan, my "Assignment #5":
Anne Hutchinson was officially pardoned by MA Governor Dukakis, the Democrat who ran and lost against the first Bush in 1989, the Republican who succeeded Reagan after his two terms in office!

Butchie wrote:

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Why do you think that there has only been one Catholic president in the history of our country?  Why no Jewish presidents or any other religion besides Protestant?

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im not an expert on the topic but i beleive there have been mostly protestant presidents throughout the americas history for several reasons.

1. prejudice against other religions is huge. People like the catholics and the jews have been seen as inferior, less now than then. catholics too were a target to white supremecy groups like the KKK

2. 76.7 percent of American adults identified themselves as Christian and about 52 percent of adults described themselves as mermbers of various protestant denominations, thats a huge chunk of the country thats protestant.

Judaism only makes up about 1.4% the rest, islam, buddhism, and hinduism have small amounts of followers. and the 14.2% left described themselves as having no religions.

3. The protestant faith i guess could be seen as safe. A president who is seen as a god fearing man who regularly attends church may seem like a person who will do the "right" things