Trinity Forum Conversations America's Vanishing Church, with Ryan Burge
Feb 3, 2026
Ryan Burge, ordained minister and sociologist who studies American religion, explores America’s “dechurching” and whether it’s reversing. He breaks down who the religiously unaffiliated are and why Gen Z trends matter. He links social isolation and smartphones to civic decline. He also examines polarization inside congregations, shifts in racial and political alignments, and practical steps to rebuild communal life.
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The Explosive Rise Of The Nones
- The "nones" rose from ~5% in 1972 to ~30% today, and about 45% of Gen Z report no religious affiliation.
- This growth will continue as older, more religious generations die and are replaced by less religious cohorts.
No Data-Supported Gen Z Revival
- There is no reliable survey evidence of a broad Gen Z religious revival; metrics show Gen Z are less religious than Baby Boomers were at the same age.
- Anecdotes of youth revival exist but lack the widespread, consistent signals a true revival would show.
Spirituality Doesn't Replace Religion
- "Spiritual but not religious" is largely a myth; religious people report higher spirituality than nonreligious people.
- Nonreligious people generally aren't swapping religion for alternative spiritual practices in greater numbers.
