The United States has long been considered a bastion of Christianity and no other religious group has so dramatically influenced the culture and values of this country.However,according to statistics,Christianity’s foundation is shaking,with an impressive decline in religious practice and affiliation in recent decades.The reasons for this downturn are increasingly puzzling and something the nation needs to address.
The most obvious cause is the escalating number of Americans who report that they are not affiliated with any religion. In recent surveys, around one-quarter of respondents said they have no religious affiliation, a number that has more than doubled within the past 20 years. Researchers believe this trend is linked with the growth of the millennial generation, who, as the most diverse and educated of all American generations, often feel less comfortable aligning themselves with any type of organized religion.
Furthermore, the declining numbers of congregants involved in mainstream Christian churches and the increasing attendance of nondenominational congregations could signify a shift in the ideologies millennials tend to embrace. Many nondenominational congregations have started popping up, which have also been linked with the liberalization of Christianity. These churches lean away from traditional family-oriented sermons and are more focused on embracing a moral code that applies to societal issues, such as racism and environmentalism. This shift could point to the idea that religion is no longer the central pillar to the lives of millennials and Gen Xers, with the latter being labeled as the “unchurched generation.”
A prominent Christian sociologist, Professor Robin Ammons, believes that this shift in the younger generations is due to the superiority complex that many established churches have exhibited, as well as their reluctance to accept progressive stances on social issues. She also cites a significant study conducted by the Pew Research Center in 2017, which found that the rise of the “nones” (those who identify as having no religion) is largely attributed to the disconnection between current religious teachings and the priorities of millennials and Gen Xers.
Echoing Ammons’ sentiment, the Rev. John Reinke, the minister of a small nondenominational evangelical church in Portland, Oregon, shares his view that the doctrine held by many churches is irrelevant, outdated, and inconsistent with a modern-day moral code. He believes that traditional Christian churches have become tainted by a number of social issues, such as racism, sexism, and corruption, and have consequently caused millennials and Gen Xers to distance themselves.
The Rev. Reinke also notes that the increasing secularization of society has presented many questions to long-held Christian beliefs, causing many to question the relevance of religious faith in the 21st century. With widely-available scientific knowledge and a rise in spiritual diversity, the older generations who have adhered to traditional forms of the faith may be struggling to retain the relevancy of their beliefs among a younger, increasingly diverse population.
Impact on Politics
Aside from the changing beliefs and ideologies of the younger generations, the changing religious scene also has a direct impact on politics in the United States. The departure from centuries of devoutly Christian notions of morality, along with the increasing acceptance of same-sex marriage, have caused a divide between much of the older evangelical population and a majority of the younger generations. This has resulted in a polarized political climate, with many traditional Christians being more likely to vote Republican and young people — who tend to be more open to progressive agendas — typically voting Democrat.
Preference for Nondenominational Congregations
Contributing to the decrease in numbers of attendees of mainstream Christian churches is a preference for less formal worship settings. Even though the number of people who don’t identify with any religion is increasing, statistics show that more people are attending nondenominational churches than traditional Christian ones. This preference may be explained by a desire for less strict regulations, a more accepting and diverse atmosphere, and a greater focus on personal faith, rather than on religious rules and regulations.
Rise of Non-Christian Religions
Another factor in the waning of the Christian faith in the United States could be attributed to the rapid rise of non-Christian religions, such as Islam, Buddhism, and Hinduism. Currently, one in four Americans is a nonbeliever, and this number is expected to rise steadily as the aformentioned traditional religions create space for themselves within society. Immigrants, in particular, have brought with them often foreign religious beliefs and have consequently caused an overall change in the population’s religious landscape.
The Decline of Religious Education
In addition, some researchers believe that the main cause for this religious turmoil is the lack of religious education provided in many public schools. As religious education is replaced by more secular studies such as science and philosophy, young people are growing increasingly disconnected from traditional forms of religion. Without any knowledge of the beliefs taught by the various mainline religions, youngsters are likely to turn away from religion completely as they lack the insight and understanding needed to critically analyze the different beliefs of Christianity and other faiths.
Distribution of Media and Digital Technology
The advancement of digital media has also caused a dip in traditional Christianity influence, with much of what was once central to youth culture, such as movies and music, no longer representing or promoting religious values or morals. This limited exposure to religious ideals has been shown to shape young adults’ perception of religion over time. It is often argued that the presence of celebrity figures and prominent social media influencers, many of whom lead secular lifestyles, overtaking the traditional place of religious figures in popular culture could be another cause of the decline of Christianity in the United States.
Changing Ideology of Churchgoers
What’s more, churchgoers themselves seem more open to the idea of developing personal spiritual beliefs, as opposed to adhering to the traditional doctrines of the faith. The recent figures show that although the attendance of mainstream Christian churches is in decline, the attendance of nondenominational churches is steadily increasing. This may point to an increased level of autonomy and an increased desire for personalized spiritual practice, something traditional Christian churches cannot provide.
The Future of Christianity
Although it’s clear that Christianity is declining in the United States, the future of the faith in this country is far from clear. What is certain is that the traditional form of Christianity is no longer able to keep up with the changing times and the advancing society. Christianity must evolve, practices must be altered, and new ways of teaching the faith must be introduced to ensure the continuation and relevance of the religion in this ever-changing world.
