There was a time, not all that long ago, when no minister, denominational leader or seminary administrator ever heard of — or worried about — a “none.” That’s partly because there wasn’t yet a name for religiously unaffiliated Americans, partly…
Less than half of Americans now claim a formal congregational membership
The exodus from formal affiliation with U.S. houses of worship continued its relentless pace in 2020 as congregational membership hit an all-time low in the 80 years Gallup has tracked it. The practice of “belonging” to a church, mosque or…
Gen Z and growth of the ‘nones’ might have swung presidential election
Republicans unhappy with the outcome of the 2020 presidential election are likely in for continued disappointment as younger generations of religiously unaffiliated Americans become eligible to vote, political scientist Ryan Burge said. This shift is demographically inevitable as members of…
The church in exile: How will we respond to the marginalization of Christianity in American society?
Assuming the posture of exile is difficult and lonely. But could it be that the church’s loss of standing in American society is an opportunity to trust in God rather than in our privileged position?
Religion Notes: Religious people happier; Baptist groups fund global projects
It’s long been assumed that religious belief and participation contributes to overall happiness. Now there are some statistics confirming that. The Pew Research Center has released a survey that found, globally, those active in congregations “tend to be happier and…
Researchers double-checking polls on religion’s demise
The increased reliance on web-based research for public opinion surveys is raising questions about the relevance of long-accepted political and social trends documented in decades of telephone polling. As a result, some religious leaders may wonder if it’s possible that…
Many Christians quitting church in search of relevant ministry
In the U.S. there are an estimated 65 million dones – Christians who have quit church due to infighting, politics and committee structures. Yet few clergy and congregations seem to be aware of who they are and why they leave.
Increasing rejection of church ‘a good thing,’ Brian McLaren says
The author, theologian and activist says one way Christians must change is in the way they change.
New American religious ‘types’ revealed in survey, quiz
Religion in the U.S. is morphing so fast that observers often are at a loss for words to describe it. Terms like “nones” and “dones,” unheard of just a few years ago, are now commonly used by universities, seminaries and…