Americans Are Increasingly Less Religious
Right wing radio and religious groups complain of “militant atheists,” but in reality, atheists make up a small percent of the American population. While America is not becoming atheist, per se, its population is leaving organized religion in what some church leaders perceive to be alarming numbers.
Non-Churchgoers Are The Fastest Growing Religious Segment.
In April, an extensive survey by the Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life was released which detailed the religious makeup, religious beliefs and practices as well as social and political attitudes of the American public.. The survey was based on over 35,000 interviews of American adults. The Pew survey revealed that an astounding 16.1% of Americans are no longer affiliated with any religion. In fact, of all “religious groups,” the non-affiliated group is growing faster than any other group.
This was confirmed by the Barna Group, a reputable Evangelical research and polling firm which found that 15% of Americans are no longer affiliated with any religion. Of all of the different religious groups in the world, the Barna Group found that the number of people who not belong to any organized religion is the third highest group, following Catholics and Baptists.
The religious right’s participation in politics has contributed to people’s increasingly secular beliefs. People who have left organized religion have reported that religious leaders are hypocrital. They also complain that religioun focuses too much on divisive issues such as gay rights, and some are concerned about the Christian right’s attempts to force religion onto the public through government and legislation.
Not Going to Church Does Not Necessarily Mean No Spirituality.
Despite the fact that they are leaving the churches, many of the non-churchgoers still consider themselves to be spiritual. Non-churchgoers find that Wicca, deism and other beliefs provide the spirituality that they are seeking.
Despite the fact that less people are going to church, some traditional beliefs still abound. For instance, 70% of Americans believe that there is an entity called Satan. 44% believe in a rapture in which Jesus returns to earth. 22% think that it will happen during their lifetimes.
In an attempt to increase their flocks, some of the more progressive churches are changing their public focus to environmental issues. Other churches are becoming less vocal about gays or abortion.
Conclusion.
Moving out of the political arena and focusing, instead, on the message or Christ may help churches reverse the trend. Attempting to force the church into government, marginalizing non-believers and promoting messages of hate only serves to alienate the populace.
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