Religious Trends

“Most Americans still believe in God, but that majority is shrinking. This presents churches with challenges and opportunities for ministry in the new religious landscape.” - Lifeway

“While 81% of American adults say they believe in God, the percentage has dropped 6 points since 2017 and is the lowest since the Gallup polling firm started asking the question more than seven decades ago.” - CPost

“The perception among Gen Z, polling at 38 percent, was comparable to other age groups, including Generation X, 37 percent; and millennials and boomers, 35 percent…. The numbers based on age groups do not address whether those polled identify as Christian or non-Christian.” - BPNews

“…every metric is slowing down except for the number of new temples the church is building or planning….The church as a whole is still growing, but the growth rate continues to slow down.” - RNS

“In every study since 2018, Bible Users have accounted for between 47 and 49 percent of American adults; however, the 2022 data showed a 10-percent decrease” - ABS

Faith in America study: “13% of Americans are atheists, not believing in God, a higher power, or any spiritual force. Of the others, a bare majority, 54%, of Americans say they ‘believe in God as described by the Bible.’ Whereas 16% say they ‘believe in God but not as described in the Bible.’” - Veith

“There are fewer atheists around the world today (147 million) than in 1970 (165 million), according to the 2022 Status of Global Christianity report.” - Lifeway

“I can’t say exactly when, most Americans simply lost any sense of being sinful, of needing forgiveness. Most don’t think they are bad…. they will admit to having faults, but basically they think they are ‘good people’ and so are most others.” - Roger Olson

“Evangelical Protestants have been debating for years over the definition and usefulness of the ‘evangelical’ label. Now, it appears ‘Protestant’ may be losing its place too.” - C.Today

“When looked at broadly, it’s hard to find any real evidence that the pandemic led to any sort of widespread exodus from American religion” - TGC