A. Background and significance of studying Christianity in the United States
B. Research questions and objectives
II. Historical Overview of Christianity in the United States
A. Arrival and establishment of Christianity in the early colonies
B. Influence of the First Great Awakening and Second Great Awakening
C. Denominational diversity and growth
D. Key figures and movements in American Christianity
III. Denominations and Religious Groups
A. Mainstream Christian denominations (e.g., Catholicism, Protestantism)
1. Beliefs, practices, and major branches within each denomination
2. Demographic distribution and regional variations
B. Non-mainstream Christian groups (e.g., Mormons, Jehovah’s Witnesses)
1. Origins, distinctive beliefs, and practices
2. Membership and influence
IV. Christianity and American Culture
A. Christianity’s impact on American values and societal norms
B. Religious freedom and separation of church and state
C. Christianity in politics and public life
D. Influence of Christianity on education, art, literature, and popular culture
V. Evangelicalism and Fundamentalism
A. Rise and development of Evangelicalism
B. Fundamentalist movements and their impact
C. Evangelical political engagement and social activism
VI. Contemporary Issues and Challenges
A. Decline in religious affiliation and the rise of the “nones”
B. Diversity and multiculturalism within American Christianity
C. Controversial issues and debates within Christian communities (e.g., LGBTQ+ rights, abortion)
D. Interfaith dialogue and cooperation
VII. Christianity and Social Justice
A. Historical involvement of Christians in social justice movements (e.g., civil rights, abolition)
B. Current Christian perspectives on social justice issues (e.g., poverty, racial equality)
C. Faith-based organizations and initiatives for social change