What was the Christian make-up of the US in 1776?

[Jon777]

Based on historical data compiled by scholars such as Rodney Stark, Roger Finke, and Philip Barlow in The Churching of America: 1776–2005, the estimated distribution of Christian denominations in the United States in 1776 was as follows:

• Congregationalists: 20.4%
• Presbyterians: 19.0%
• Baptists: 16.9%
• Episcopalians (Anglicans): 15.7%
• Methodists: 2.5%
• Roman Catholics: 1.8%

Theology of the Congregationalists 1776: Puritan theology, emphasizing Calvinist doctrine such as predestination, the sovereignty of God, and the authority of Scripture.

Theology of the Presbyterians 1776: Reformed (Calvinist) theology, affirming core doctrines such as the sovereignty of God, predestination, and total depravity.

Theology of the Baptists 1776: Reformed (Calvinist) theology similar to Congregationalists and Presbyterians, affirming doctrines such as predestination, original sin, and the sovereignty of God.

Theology of the Episcopal/Anglicans 1776: they affirmed the Thirty-Nine Articles of Religion, which uphold Reformed (Calvinist) theology while retaining episcopal structure and liturgical traditions.

Interestingly, 72% of the churches in the 13 colonies held to Calvinist theology. Who would believe it today! Shall we all sing "God bless America Again"

Yes, various studies can come up with differing figures, but the above is generally correct. Of note, the Methodists had not become an official denomination in 1776.

 

[tourist]

Out of the denominations that you listed I wonder what the percentage is of those that are actually Christian? Belonging to a denomination does not necessarily mean that one is a Christian.

 

[OLDBUTNEW]

I can't remember; I think I was too young at the time.

 

[Eli1]

I can't remember; I think I was too young at the time.

That's how i feel bro. I feel like i've been here with the Mayflower.

 

[OLDBUTNEW]

That's how i feel bro. I feel like i've been here with the Mayflower.

@Eli1 : Love it, Bro!!

 

[Karlon]

Masons