Yet another poll on the decline of U.S. religiosity
Posted: Tue May 16, 2023 4:16 pm
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
"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.
