Religious Trends

“But if the statistics tell us anything, it’s that this phenomenon has evaporated. People aren’t on the whole very enthusiastic about going to church, but most Americans still believe in some kind of god….Davis thinks the reason why is clear: New Atheism’s scorched-earth policy taught people to burn, but not build.” - The Dispatch

“43% of this generation born roughly between 1996 and 2012 identify as religious ‘nones.’ … these Zoomers are looking for meaning and willing to reconsider religion. Specifically, though these trends may not be large enough to be captured in statistics, there seems to be a growing interest in more rigorous forms of faith.” - Breakpoint

“Evangelical church leaders are treating the Orthodox Church like it is another denominational option and not what it actually is—another religion altogether. Three articles might help us wrap our brains around what is happening right now with young men especially.” - P&D

“Among Protestants, Catholics, and Jews, those who grew up Protestant and have remained so are most likely to say they still identify as such because they still believe the teachings (71%), it fulfills their spiritual needs (66%), and it gives their lives meaning (61%).” - Lifeway

“in a recent essay for the Claremont Review of Books, Matthew Schmitz argued that the New Atheism—which surged after 9/11 and decried religion as the source of conflict and cultural decline—has largely run its course. In its place, he contended, is a New Theism.” - Breakpoint

“Based on some specific findings and anecdotal evidence, many have purported that young adults are experiencing a religious revival. While Pew allows that some changes may be taking place that have yet to be captured in national surveys, they say there is ‘no clear evidence that this kind of nationwide religious resurgence is underway.’” - Baptist Press

“God hasn’t been removed from the picture; he’s been relocated. Where did God go? There are as many answers as there are people. Consider some conversations I’ve had recently.” - TGC

“Baylor University scholar Paul Froese said the findings may reflect a greater interest in magical thinking as people move away from traditional religious beliefs.” - RNS

“Americans who had a good experience as children were likely to keep their faith. Those with bad experiences left” - RNS

“LDS church leaders have said it is merely a ‘narrative’ that more young adults are leaving the faith. But in the US at least, it’s a narrative driven by data.” - RNS