Important findings were released today from the Pew Research Center. In a survey of more than 35,000 U. S. adults, the study examined numerous aspects about religiosity and Americans. Below are a few findings. Be sure to read the article.
- overall adult population is now less religious than in 2007
- religiously affiliated are more devout than they were a few years ago
- those who believe in God declined from 92% to 89% since 2007
- only about half of Millennials believe in God with “absolute certainty”
- religiously unaffiliated (i.e., “Nones”) at 23% of population, up from 16% in 2007
- half of evangelical Millennials believe that homosexuality should be accepted by society
- more than 1/3 of Evangelicals agree that homosexuality should be accepted by society, up 10 percentage points since 2007
- Nones now the largest single religious group among Democrats
- Evangelicals remain the largest single religious group among GOP
- Nones are becoming increasingly secular
It is also important to note how quickly these numbers have changed in seven years. Also, unlike previous generations, the Millennials are not showing signs of becoming more religious as they grow older.
It appears the United States is becoming more dichotomized when it comes to religion: The religiously affiliated are becoming more and more devout; the unaffiliated are becoming more and more secular.
Changes are happening, and happening quickly. Most churches do not relate well to quick. And many church leaders still live by the 10/10 rule. Different days are coming on quickly; and I have not even starting writing about the rumblings of persecution I hear in the distance.
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The Kindle version of my most recent book, Apostolic Church Planting: Birthing New Churches from New Believers, should be available soon. Until then, check it out at Amazon.