What are some significant examples of how U.S. cultural infrastructure is built upon Christianity?

Question

Or, how is American culture affected by Christianity? Of course there are the obvious like holidays, going to church, politicization of religion etc. I'd like to learn of the more implicit role that Christianity plays within the American psyche. So tap into that anthropologist within, and fire at will! Cheers.

Answer 1

Ever heard of "in God we trust"?

When under oath in a trial, remember the book you put your hand on?

We don't work on Sunday, the last day of the week right?

Do we repeat the "Washington refused to lie" story because it shows that he was a trustworthy politician or because that reminds us of what a Saint should do?

What is Obama's worst sin, being the son of a black man or being the son of a Muslim?

My point would be that there are a number of cultural "prints" that you could track down just in every day life through their symbolic uses and meanings, subtle as they are, nevertheless present in the ways America thinks of itself.

Of course, there is always the possibility of considering the importance that church related activities have in rural America.

Answer 2

It is very rich in symbols: there are 3 branches of the government: a supreme judgement, a sole head, a body of lawmakers>Father, Son, Holy Ghost. We know that the president is less than perfect. lol

We have trial by jury>Jesus asks, those among you without sin, throw the first stone.

No cruel or unusual punishment>hope you understand that without being told.

Freedom of religion because freedom allows people to seek the truth and will find Christianity (hopefully).

Assume innocent until found guilty>Jesus was an innocent man found guilty and given cruel punishment.

All men are created equal>people sould not be trapped in social stations, that there is God inside everyone and given a chance, they will succeed in providing for themselves and lift themselves up, along with providing opportunty for others.

Protestants stand up in church, not on their knees or upon the ground, for we show ourselves fully to God. We do not set aside time to pray but pray inside, 24 hours.  Stand up and be counted-vote.

Answer 3

Just one not previously mentioned: Marital law is based on a version of Christian marriage.