History & Milestones
What century saw the First Great Awakening?
1700s (Specifically, it began in the 1730s and 1740s)
What is the “religious marketplace” theory, and how does it explain changes in American Christianity?
It suggests that religion functions like a market — people choose beliefs like consumers, and religious institutions must adapt or lose followers.
What is the most commonly quoted verse about love and unity in Christianity?
John 3:16 or 1 Corinthians 13:4
(Both are correct; John 3:16 is about salvation, 1 Corinthians 13:4–7 is the “love is patient” passage)
What is one way Christianity encourages people to find purpose in their daily lives?
By teaching that every person has a God-given purpose and that even ordinary actions can glorify God (Colossians 3:23).
True or False: The United States Constitution mentions Christianity by name.
False — it references religion generally but never names Christianity.
Which movement in the 1900s greatly increased Evangelical influence?
The rise of televangelism / Evangelical revival
(This includes the post-WWII revival, Billy Graham’s crusades, and later TV ministries in the ’70s–’80s)
Which modern event caused shifts in religious practice, such as online church?
COVID-19
(Livestreamed services surged in 2020–2021; major impact on in-person attendance)
Which biblical book has the Great Commission?
Matthew
(Specifically Matthew 28:19–20)
What role does forgiveness play in how Christians navigate relationships?
It encourages reconciliation and mirrors the forgiveness given by God.
Which age group reports the lowest church attendance today?
Young adults (Gen Z/Millennials)
What major event in the 1930s caused many to turn to religion for hope?
The Great Depression
How has the rise of individualism in Western culture contributed to the decline of organized religion in the U.S.?
It encourages people to seek personal spirituality over communal worship, leading to more customized belief systems and less institutional affiliation.
What does the Bible say about the church being a “body”?
1 Corinthians 12
(Paul’s metaphor of the church as the body of Christ is found here)
What is a Christian perspective on suffering?
Test of faith, growth, redemption
(Based on scriptures like Romans 5 and James 1 — widely held in theology)
Which term refers to Christians who practice faith outside traditional church structures?
“Non-institutional” or “unchurched” Christians.
Name one major way WWII influenced Christianity in America
Post-war revival, church attendance spike, patriotism tied to faith, etc.
Which generation is most likely to identify as “spiritual but not religious”?
Millennials and Gen Z.
How does the Bible describe religious perseverance through hardship?
James 1:12, Romans 5:3–5
(Both speak about enduring trials as a path to spiritual maturity)
What is one way faith shapes identity?
Sense of belonging, values, worldview, community, etc.
What is one surprising way technology has changed faith expression today?
Through faith-based apps, online prayer groups, and Bible studies on platforms like TikTok or Instagram.
What was the trend in Christian affiliation after the 2000s?
Declining steadily, rise in “nones”
(According to Pew Research, Christian affiliation dropped from ~78% in 2007 to ~63% in 2021)
In one sentence, explain how the role of Christianity in American identity has evolved from the 1700s to today.
Something like: From a dominant cultural force shaping national identity to one of many competing belief systems in a pluralistic society.
Which Old Testament prophecy is often cited by Christians as foretelling the spread of Christianity beyond Israel?
Isaiah 49:6 — “I will make you a light to the nations…” (This is frequently interpreted as a prophecy of Gentile inclusion.)
How do Christian concepts like grace and redemption shape how believers view failure or personal shortcomings?
They provide a framework where failure is not final — believers can repent, grow, and be restored, emphasizing transformation over perfection.
Which U.S. Supreme Court case in the 1960s banned school-sponsored prayer, and why is it still debated today?
Engel v. Vitale (1962) — ruled that state-sponsored prayer in public schools violated the First Amendment; it’s debated because some see it as a shift away from the country’s Christian heritage.