This chapter explores the deepening divide in American religion, predicting a future where cultural values unite various religious groups rather than theological beliefs. It discusses the trend of secularization in America influenced by education and societal changes, highlighting the decline of major religious traditions. The chapter also touches on atheist gatherings like Sunday Assembly and their challenges in building communal spaces without the religious aspect, emphasizing the importance of community ties and civic engagement.
Americans are becoming less religious and two new surveys out just last week punctuate just how quickly that’s happening. According to the Public Religion Research Institute, 26 percent of Americans now consider themselves unaffiliated with any religion. That’s up from 21 percent a decade ago and just 6 percent in the early '90s. According to Gallup, the number of Americans who attend religious services weekly or nearly every week has fallen from 42 percent in 2000 to 30 percent now.
In this installment of the 538 Politics podcast, Galen speaks with a roundtable of experts on religion and society about why the decline has happened and what it portends for American communities, networks and politics. Joining the podcast are Melissa Deckman, CEO of the Public Religion Research Institute; Ryan Burge, Professor of Political Science at Eastern Illinois University and a Baptist Pastor; and Daniel Cox, Director of the Survey Center on American Life.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices