NPR reports on a new Public Religion Research Institute (PRRI) poll, reported by PRRI in "Religion and Congregations in a Time of Social Upheaval."
"Just 16% of Americans surveyed said religion is the most important thing in their lives, according to the PRRI study, down from 20% a decade ago."
Here are some highlights
"Americans are becoming increasingly likely to become religiously unaffiliated."
People tend to affiliate with congregations that align with their political beliefs, in part to avoid conflicts they experience in broader society.
Black Protestants are the only Christian group in which a majority — 63% — believes that congregations should get involved in social issues even if doing so means having difficult conversations.
Racial justice movement over the last several years fortify the resolve of some congregations to preach, "Black Lives Matter," even if it upsets some people.
Christian congregations are still largely racially segregated, even though the U.S. as a whole is becoming more racially and ethnically diverse.
24% of respondents said they previously followed a different faith tradition from the one they practice now, mostly leaving Christianity or religion altogether--up from 16% just a couple of years ago.
Church attendance continues to wane--28% said they "seldom" attend religious services, 29% said they "never" attend. (In 2013, it was 22% seldom, 21% never.)
The COVID-19 pandemic coincides with or influenced a larger trend. In 2019, 19% of Americans said they attended once a week. Now, 16% attend weekly, 13% "a few times a year."
But of the diehard attendees, 80% say they are happy, 82% are optimistic about the future of their church.
Apologists try to shill an explanation to questioning members as though science and reason really explain and buttress their professed faith. It [sic] does not. By definition, faith is the antithesis of science and reason. Apologetics is a further deception by faith peddlers to keep power and influence.
The Catholic Church, being the most mature of US Christian denominations, is likely to have the most staying power. The trend looks to be stabilizing for them. They’ve been through a lot of introspection and self transformation for the better. It takes a mature religion to admit fault for something like the sex abuse scandal. The normal reaction is to circle the wagons, but that never works long term.
