Homebrewed Christianity

Ryan Burge: Distrust & Denominations

6 snips
Mar 13, 2025
Ryan Burge, a political scientist and assistant professor at Eastern Illinois University, dives into the intriguing data on religious trends in America. He discusses the decline of traditional denominations and the explosive rise of non-denominational Christianity, fueled by growing distrust in institutional religion. Burge shares insights about megachurches and the evolving dynamics of American faith, including the importance of community in the shift towards individualized spirituality. The conversation is lively, combining serious insights with humor and engaging analysis.
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INSIGHT

Mainline Decline

  • Mainline Protestant denominations are declining rapidly in membership.
  • The Disciples of Christ have lost 75% of their members since 1987.
ANECDOTE

Closed Churches

  • Ryan Burge has pastored at three churches, two of which no longer exist.
  • One former church building was demolished and replaced with condos.
INSIGHT

SBC Decline

  • The Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) is experiencing significant membership decline, losing 250,000 people annually.
  • This decline rate is comparable to the Episcopal Church's average Sunday attendance.
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