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What are the three distinctive features of religion in our Society..(America)?

I am not sure what was meant by this, but I think they are referring to the Function of Religion (social cohesion, social control, and emotional support). Either that or...the Nature of Religion (rituals and symbols, belief systems, and organizational structures).
Am I right on one of these? Or wrong all together...if so please list what is right. Thanks.

You could be right either way. Without being in class its pretty hard for a random stranger on Y!A to know. Your best option is to connect with a classmate or see you instructor to discuss this question.

Some ideas that come to my mind....

1. Religious individualism/personal piety. It seems that for many Americans spirituality is a private concern more than a social one. Salvation is often seen as being between God and the individual, rather than having a social component.

2. Church choice and the American consumer mentality. People in the U.S. often "shop around" for a church to belong to. They look at preaching styles, quality of music, support organizations, etc that are offered and make a choice based on their own spiritual "needs" or preferences. Catholics, for instance, will sometimes involve themselves in a parish outside their immediate geographical area because of the above mentioned qualities or a preferred demographic. Evangelical or non-denominational protestants also shop around for their "church of choice".

Questions that arise from this issue: Do people not believe in a God that will meet their spiritual needs in their local community? If we are to "love our neighbor", how can we *not* worship with them?

3. The blending of political and religious concerns. Political issues often have a moral component. Citizens who are also church-goers have a right to make their concerns heard in the political arena, both individually and collectively (as a church). While civic responsibility and activism are neglected by many, there is still a large number of people who are actively engaged in local and federal politics whose positions are colored/flavored by their religious affiliation.

Sites to explore for other ideas:
http://religions.pewforum.org/
http://www.adherents.com/rel_USA.html

Don't forget to check out your local college or public library sites. Many libraries offer assitance through some type of chat service found on their site.
Examples:
http://www.lib.umich.edu/ask-librarian
http://sfpl.org/index.php?pg=2000001701
http://www.oregonlibraries.net/

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