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.

00:02:20 Background for Ryan and Jesse

00:14:00 This could be really bad on society

00:27:15 Who is leaving?

00:31:25 How is the Mormon church doing with losing members?

00:44:00 Resurgence of interest among the young Mormons?

00:54:30 Polling the audience

00:58:35 The push-pull analysis for what’s pushing people out

01:16:40 How to replace your community

01:20:00 Where are people going?

01:30:40 Where are people finding community?

01:36:45 No meaningful relationship between religiosity and mental health

02:00:00 Use the religion don’t let the religion use you

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