Ryan Cragun

Dr. Ryan Cragun, sociologist, discusses the decline of the Mormon Church in Utah and worldwide, questioning the accuracy of membership numbers and exploring factors contributing to the decline. The controversy surrounding the church's membership data is also explored, along with the impact of migration, secularization, and individuals leaving the church. The podcast touches on the reasons behind recent temple construction announcements, analyzes a specific book, and discusses the growth of the Mormon Church in Africa. The hosts express appreciation for Dr. Cragun's work and encourage donations.

Ryan T. Cragun, a scholar on religiosity, and Jesse M. Smith, a sociologist and social psychologist, explore the rising trend of religious disaffiliation in America. They reveal that about 30% of the U.S. population identifies as non-religious, a significant increase from the 1990s. The duo discusses the implications for communities, especially the Mormon Church, and challenges misconceptions about secularization. They emphasize how leaving religion is often empowering, leading to new forms of social engagement and community connection.