Is Religion Dying in the U.S.? – Goodbye Religion by Ryan T. Cragun and Jesse M. Smith | Ep. 1972
Dec 12, 2024
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Ryan T. Cragun, a scholar on religiosity, and Jesse M. Smith, a sociologist and social psychologist, explore the rising trend of religious disaffiliation in America. They reveal that about 30% of the U.S. population identifies as non-religious, a significant increase from the 1990s. The duo discusses the implications for communities, especially the Mormon Church, and challenges misconceptions about secularization. They emphasize how leaving religion is often empowering, leading to new forms of social engagement and community connection.
A significant increase in non-religious affiliation in the U.S. has risen from about 7% in 1990 to 30% today.
Factors driving secularization include social acceptance of non-religiosity, cultural movements, and the influence of the internet on diverse perspectives.
Individuals leaving organized religion often experience relief from previous guilt, with motivations rooted in moral misalignment and political views.
Community and support networks play a crucial role in aiding transitions away from religion, helping mitigate feelings of loneliness and loss.
Deep dives
Current Status of Religion in the U.S.
The podcast delves into the current status of religion in the United States, highlighting a dramatic increase in the percentage of adults identifying as non-religious. Statistics reveal that in 1990, only about 7% reported no affiliation, which has quadrupled to approximately 30% today. This trend raises questions about whether this figure will continue to rise, plateau, or start to decline. The discussion emphasizes the importance of understanding the implications of this shift for various religious communities, including the Mormon Church.
Contributing Factors to Secularization
Various factors leading to secularization are analyzed, including the impact of cultural movements and political landscapes. Events such as the end of the Cold War have created an environment where defining oneself as non-religious is more socially acceptable. The rise of the internet and access to diverse perspectives also plays a crucial role in facilitating discussions that challenge traditional religious views. The results indicate that as societal norms shift towards modernity, more individuals are likely to identify as secular.
Motivations Behind Religious Exit
The conversation explores why individuals feel motivated to leave organized religions, with a focus on the personal and social ramifications of religious beliefs. Factors such as moral misalignment, political views, and childhood indoctrination significantly influence people's decisions to disaffiliate. The discussion highlights the reality that those who have recently exited often report a profound sense of relief and liberation from previous guilt or anxiety tied to religious doctrines. This liberation underscores the broader discussions about the nature of belief systems and the personal journey associated with leaving faith.
Community and Support Networks
The podcast underscores the importance of community and support networks in navigating the transition away from religion. While many find new social circles among secular groups, others may turn to family or form personal networks that provide affirmation and understanding. The conversation hints at the challenges faced by those who leave, including feelings of loneliness and loss associated with disaffiliating from tight-knit religious communities. This emphasizes the need for establishing supportive environments to aid the transition.
The Role of Technology in Secularization
Technology and the internet are recognized as powerful tools in the ongoing process of secularization. Access to information and communities online allow individuals to explore alternative perspectives and connect with others who share similar experiences. The internet serves as a medium where people can engage in discussions about faith without fear of judgment. This largely facilitates the questioning of traditional beliefs, leading to a growing population of those who identify as non-religious.
Empirical Perspectives on Mental Health
The discussion includes an empirical perspective on mental health outcomes concerning religious affiliation. The data suggests that those who identify as non-religious do not exhibit greater instances of mental health issues compared to their religious counterparts. The notion that community and social support are critical factors is emphasized, regardless of religious affiliation. The need to critically evaluate the nuances in mental health as it relates to religion and secularism is highlighted.
Future Directions and Implications
As the conversation progresses, it explores the implications of rising secularization for both individuals and society at large. Concerns are raised regarding potential decreases in civic engagement and social responsibility among the non-religious population. However, the hosts provide a counter-narrative, discussing how many secular individuals still prioritize altruism and community service. This highlights the ongoing evolution of belief systems and their varying contributions to societal well-being.
Identities After Leaving Religion
The podcast presents important insights into how individuals identify themselves post-religion. With many former religious adherents rejecting not only their faith but also the traditional concept of God or organized religion, an examination of new identities emerging among these groups is warranted. The trends analyzed indicate that a growing percentage of individuals identify as atheists or agnostics after leaving their religion. This raises questions about the identity formation process for those transitioning in their beliefs and what it means for the future of spirituality.
Is religion dying in America? In this episode, we sit down with Ryan T. Cragun and Jesse M. Smith, authors of Goodbye Religion: The Causes and Consequences of Secularization. This groundbreaking book examines the surge in people leaving organized religion and its profound impact on American culture and society. Drawing on extensive data and over a hundred in-depth interviews, Cragun and Smith delve into the social, psychological, and environmental factors behind religious exit. They also address the misconceptions surrounding secularization, revealing that leaving religion is not the crisis it’s often portrayed to be. Instead, they show how nonreligious individuals remain socially engaged and committed to making a positive impact in their communities.
