The Sean McDowell Show The Death of Religion? The Alarming Shift Since 1991 (ft. Christian Smith)
Aug 8, 2025
Renowned sociologist Dr. Christian Smith, a professor at the University of Notre Dame, delves into the shocking decline of traditional religion in America since the 1990s. He explores how cultural and technological shifts have led to the rise of non-religious identities. Discussing concepts like moralistic therapeutic deism, he highlights its impact on American youth and their complex relationship with spirituality. Smith also examines the changing dynamics of faith, family, and community, emphasizing the need for religious practices to adapt in a rapidly evolving society.
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Obsolete Means Culturally Replaced
- Christian Smith defines 'obsolete' as cultural replacement rather than extinction.
- He says religion now seems old-fashioned to millennials and Gen Z.
Generational Drop, Not Individual Flip-Flops
- Christian Smith shows the decline is generational rather than mainly individual conversions.
- Each new cohort shows lower affiliation, belief, and attendance across standard metrics.
Internet Changed Authority And Community
- Smith argues the internet reshaped authority, knowledge, and community in ways that weakened religious roles.
- He stresses the tech inventors weren't anti-religious but the side effects helped crowd out religion.
