

Ep. 487: Is Traditional Religion Obsolete? Christian Smith Says “Yes”
4 snips Jul 16, 2025
Christian Smith, the William R. Kenan Jr. Professor of Sociology at Notre Dame, challenges the relevance of traditional religion in modern America. He discusses the striking decline of institutional faith since 1991, emphasizing how Millennials and Gen Z view religion as 'obsolete.' Factors such as neoliberal capitalism are examined for their role in fostering instability and mobility, affecting community and commitment. Smith calls for religious institutions to adapt to these cultural shifts, while noting an emerging interest in alternative spiritualities.
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Defining Religion's Obsolescence
- Christianity and traditional religion have become culturally obsolete, displaced by new cultural norms and beliefs.
- Obsolete means less used or less relevant, not extinct or useless.
Culture Shapes Religion's Role
- Deep culture governs life through unspoken assumptions about truth, purpose, and authority.
- These cultural shifts have made traditional religion less relevant and less fitting in many people's lives.
Mismatch Between Religion and Demand
- Most Americans see religion as useful for moral guidance, coping, and community, not deeper spiritual matters.
- This mismatch with traditional religion's aims widens the gap leading to religion's obsolescence.