Posted on 03/17/2016 6:11:53 PM PDT by daisy12
Around the world, people are beginning to turn their backs on religion.
For some time, researchers have observed this trend as it ripples through developed countries, with the United States standing out as the exception.
Now, a new study reveals this is no longer the case; with each passing generation, Americans too are steadily becoming less religious.
--snip--
Researchers found each generation is subsequently less religious than the one before.
In one example, the team found that 41 percent of people aged 70 and older reported they attend church services at least once a month.
For people just under that age bracket, 60 and younger, only 18 percent attend church at this frequency.
And, just 45 percent of people ages 18-30 reported they have 'no doubt God exists,' compared with 68 percent of those 65 and older who said the same.
'The US has long been considered an exception to the modern claim that religion is declining,' said Mark Chaves, the study’s other co-author, and a professor of sociology, divinity, and religion at Duke.
'But if you look at the trajectory, and the generational dynamic that is producing the trajectory, we may not be an exception after all.'
The researchers say the data remains consistent over time, reflecting the trend seen elsewhere in the world.
(Excerpt) Read more at dailymail.co.uk ...
Mods, please allow this to remain in News. I posted it here as more a commentary on societal decline as opposed to a specific religion topic. Title was shortened for posting rules.
I didn’t attend church for 10 - 15 years after I left home....Glad I didn’t die in the dessert.
The left is so pleased with themselves. Russia tried to stamp out religion.
I am not worried.
Of the 18%, what is the breakdown by religion and denomination?
My son, who has not attended in a few years, just found the girl who might be HER, and attended church on his own and voluntarily this weekend. Not even her church. Just getting his feet wet again.
I am so happy. Church and a good wife will be graces to him.
Logical fallacy. Going to Church does not equal being saved or having faith. Fact is the Churches many of them are secular driving away the religious.
Evangelical is growing. Fundamental churches are growing, sodomite/abortion supporting churches are dying.
There's a bit of a danger in viewing "religion" as a sociological matter which is subject to semi-scientific analysis.
It ignores the work of the Spirit and the ongoing cosmic battle that is taking place.
It may not be possible to fully understand what's happening in religious life by reason alone.
20 or so for me, Amen Friend!
This part of End Time prophecy. There will a great falling away from the church.
I pray alot of people come back to the Lord before it’s too late.
I live in a suburb, in liberal MA. There are four churches in our town: Catholic, Episcopal, Congregationalist, and Jewish.
Sunday morning at 10 AM I could rob most houses in my town. The churches are packed.
But we are also mostly married, professional, and our school system produces doctors, generals, and people at the top of their professions.
Religion and morals are the basis for our community. We are successful. Are we successful because of religion? Or are we religious because we understand that there is a power greater than us making us successful.
Dying out?
It’s getting MURDERED.
There is a decades-long WAR on Christianity, with the goal being the everlasting expansion of Government.
If you don’t go for the Big G, you’ll go with the Little g...
Our systems of mass indoctrination, movies, TV, newspapers, and education have not been Christian friendly. It takes a toll.
My son has turned very anti-religion, and no longer goes near a church. He’s also gone very left, whereas he used to think like me and his sister.
I hope and pray that something will bring him back. He’s 27 and single, so maybe it will be a lovely Christian young lady. Difficult to meet one though, if you don’t go to church.
I’m sad that the number is so low. In Steubenville, we have a large family presence. We’re fortunate that most of the families with which we attend Mass keep kids in pews and without juice/Cheerios/coloring books,. It’s easier to train my little ones without a parent offering us juice boxes. The cry room is also seldom used. As for the older attendees, they are the ones making faces and waving at my kids behind our backs when we hold them lol!
Perhaps, but these are objective observations. Outward behavior is a sign of an inner reality. Usually.
Faith has to be practiced.
Indeed, there will be a great falling away before Christ returns, however we don't know when that time will come. Until then, pray for Revival. We need the Bread from Heaven.
Agreed.
As long as most Christianity offered to young men remains this effeminate the attendance will continue to decline.
There’s too much involved here that cannot be observed.
Drives me nuts. For centuries children learned to behave at Mass without being entertained.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.