CCP178: On Why Some People Stay in Their Faith and Some Leave

Jan 9, 2026

Explore why some individuals raised in the Christian faith remain steadfast while others walk away. The discussion delves into the role of parental influence in faith transmission, emphasizing positive childhood religious experiences. Insights from a landmark Pew study highlight how negative experiences, like hypocrisy and toxic environments, can lead to a crisis of faith. Additionally, the conversation touches on the importance of apologetics in helping young people navigate challenges and the need for intentional parenting in spiritual development.

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INSIGHT

Faith: Taste Versus Truth

If faith is about truth rather than taste, passing it on becomes an urgent spiritual responsibility.
James Emery White argues parents must treat faith transmission as top priority because eternal consequences hang in the balance.

INSIGHT

Childhood Experience Predicts Adult Faith

Pew found childhood religious experience strongly predicts adult retention of faith.
Eighty-four percent with positive experiences stayed, while about 69% with negative experiences now report no religion.

ADVICE

Model Authentic Faith At Home

Do model authentic, committed faith at home and avoid lukewarm or hypocritical practice.
Fathers should actively lead spiritually because passive or hands-off fathers reduce children's religious commitment.

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In this week's conversation between Dr. James Emery White and co-host Alexis Drye, they discuss the reasons that some people who are raised in the Christian faith choose to walk away from it, while others remain committed Christ followers. As you can imagine, the faith of the parents and how that's fleshed out in their lives is a huge factor.

Episode Links

At the top of the episode, Alexis noted that today's topic was prompted by Pew Research Center's “Religious Landscape Study” - a landmark study and truly the gold standard of its kind. Religion News Service picked up on part of the study in a recent article titled, “Why do some people stay in their faith and others leave? A Pew report offers clues.” You can read that article HERE.

Both Alexis and Dr. White mentioned that other findings from the “Religious Landscape Study” have been the topic of other podcast discussions and the Church & Culture blog. Here is where you can find those on the Church & Culture website:

CCP141: On the Largest, Most Recent Survey of American Religion

“The Stall of the Nones”

“Gen Z Church Attendance”

“A Revival... or a Moment?”

Dr. White noted that research from Dr. Christian Smith has been insightful in netting out the huge role that parents play in the faith of their children. You can explore his “National Study of Youth & Religion” HERE. As a father of four and grandfather of 16, Dr. White is passionate about the role of parents in the lives of their children. You can find sermon series that he's given at Mecklenburg Community Church on parenting HERE.

Dr. White referenced articles and interviews with Derek Thompson and Richard Dawkins regarding the idea that Christianity is not about a religion, but rather a relationship with Jesus. And that relational component is what's missing from some churches. Here are those stories for you:

Derek Thompson, “The True Cost of the Churchgoing Bust,” The Atlantic, read online.

LBC video post of Richard Dawkins on X, watch here.

Walter Sánchez Silva, “Famous Atheist Richard Dawkins Says He Considers Himself a ‘Cultural Christian,'” Catholic News Agency, read online.

Finally, Dr. White discussed the importance of apologetics when it comes to the Christian faith - knowing why you believe what you believe. He has given a number of series at Meck that are incredibly helpful in this arena. You can find them all gathered under the category of “Exploring Christianity” HERE.

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