Christianity is one of the world’s largest religions, with more than two billion adherents across the globe. It is the largest religion in 33 nations, making it the world’s most widespread and populous religion. While there are many Christian denominations, from Orthodox to Non-denominational, all followers are connected to their shared commitment to the Holy Bible. But, of those two billion or so believers, how many still engage in the core practices of Christianity?
Demographics
The United States is a country that has had the largest population growth in the Christian population. According to the Pew Research Center, the number of Christians living in the United States has been steadily increasing in recent years. In 2020, seven of out of 10 American adults identified as Christian, representing a total of approximately 259 million.
This was an increase from the numbers reported in 2007. In the same span of time, the non-Christian population grew by over 23 million, and now around one-fifth of all Americans (21%) claim no religious affiliation. This suggests that in the US, Christianity is still the dominate religion, although its members are dwindling over time.
Practicing Christianity in Today’s Society
The Christian faith has traditionally been centered around worship services at churches, however, Christianity today has taken many different forms. Many followers engage in Christian practices in their daily life, such as prayer, reading the Bible, or attending religious retreats.
A 2019 Gallup poll found that 93% of Americans who identified as Christian reported praying on a daily basis. Similarly, 73% of Americans who identified as Christian reported ‘often’ or ‘regularly’ attending religious activities, such as church services or bible studies. These statistics suggest that for many Christians, prayer and church attendance still remain the primary religious practices.
Youth Involvement
Younger generations are certainly still engaged in Christianity, but not in the same way as past generations. A 2018 report from the Pew Research Center found that young adults today are less likely to affiliate with a religion than prior generations. This is also true for younger Christians.
While over 80% of Americans over the age of 65 reported belonging to a Christian denomination, only 65% of those who are under the age of 30 claimed the same. This suggests that while Christianity is still present in the younger generations, it may not be in the same form as in the past.
Outreach and Evangelism:
As Christianity’s population declines in the US, many churches have taken to outreach programs and mission trips as a way to spread the message of the gospel. These programs are intended to engage younger generations and attract new members to the faith.
According to a 2016 report from the National Council of Churches, churches across the US coordinated approximately 5,400 mission trips in 2015, involving 350,000 mission volunteers. These trips enable members of the Christian faith to directly engage in practices of evangelism and service projects, ultimately promoting the message of Christianity.
Alternative Sources
In addition to church attendance and mission trips, many Christians have access to alternative sources such as podcasts, books, and TV and radio programs to learn more about the faith.
In 2018, the Barna Group found that approximately 59% of Americans had listened to religious podcasts, and that 74% of those were Christian. Similarly, over half of all adults in the United States (57%) reported having read at least one book about faith and religion, with most of them being about Christianity. This suggests that many followers are engaging in Christian practices without attending a physical church.
The Role of Social Media in Reaching out to Christians
With Christianity declining in physical church attendance, many believers have turned to social media. Social media platforms such as Instagram, Youtube, and Facebook have quickly become popular sources of Christian content.
Many pastors and influencers have taken advantage of these mediums, posting daily devotionals, sermons, prayers, and bible verses. In 2020, the Barna Group reported that 42% of Americans said they received spiritual content from social media, with younger generations being the largest consumers of this content.
The Secularization of Christianity
Despite the prevalence of Christianity in the United States, many have argued that religion has been on the decline for centuries due to the secularization of society. This secularization is seen in the way religion is no longer seen as relevant in the public sector.
Religious schools, for example, are losing students at an alarming rate. According to a 2016 study by the National Center for Education Statistics, religious school enrollment decreased by 13.7% from 2000 to 2015. This decline has been attributed to increased access to public schools and the rise of charter schools.
Increasing Tolerance for Different Religions
One of the primary driving forces behind this secularization is an increasing tolerance of different religions. According to a 2018 survey conducted by the Pew Research Center, 73% of Americans said they would be willing to accept other religions, despite the fact that they may not personally practice those faiths.
This has enabled a greater discussion around religious practices and beliefs. It has also created an environment in which Christianity is no longer seen as the sole reigning religion and allows for other competing religions to be accepted and respected.
Evolving Christian Practices
Christian practices have been consistently evolving. While the core belief of Christianity has remained the same, the ways in which believers practice the faith have shifted to accommodate the changing times.
One such change has been in the form of technology. Many churches have now adopted the use of streaming and recording services to reach a larger audience, as well as apps and podcasts as an alternative source of content.
Other churches have embraced multi-site church models and house churches that allow members to engage with one another in new and different ways. With these changes, believers are able to engage with their faith in a way that aligns with the changing culture.
The Impact of Cultural Shifts on Christianity
In a world increasingly influenced by technology and pop culture, many forms of Christianity have been seen to be in conflict with newer generations. For example, many believe that the Bible is no longer seen as a relevant source of faith in the 21st century. While this view is not shared by all, it is undeniably impacting the form Christianity takes today.
Similarly, the prevalence of the ‘self-help’ culture has created an environment in which Christians are looking for ways to cope with personal and interpersonal struggles without turning to the church for guidance.
Highest Practicing Demographics
Despite its decline over the years, there are still certain demographics that practice Christianity in higher numbers.
The highest practicing population of Christianity are those who identify as African American, with over 80% of the population claiming to be Christian. Similarly, over 70% of the Hispanic population identified as Christian in the year 2020.
These statistics suggest that particular groups in the US have maintained a higher affinity to the Christian faith than others.
