U.S. Christian majority could fade in coming decades, models find

[brooklynite]

Washington Post

The United States has long prided itself on people’s freedom to choose whatever religion they like. The majority has long chosen Christianity.

By 2070, that may no longer be the case, according to the Pew Research Center. If current trends continue, Christians could make up less than half of the population — and as little as a third — in 50 years. Meanwhile, the religiously unaffiliated — or “nones” — could make up close to half the population. And the percentage of Americans who identify as Muslims, Jews, Hindus, Buddhists and adherents of other non-Christian faiths could double.

Those are among the major findings of a new report from Pew regarding the United States’ religious future, a future in which Christianity, though diminished, persists, while non-Christian faiths grow amid rising secularization.

Researchers projected possible religious futures for the United States using a number of factors, including birthrates, migration patterns, demographics including age and sex, and the current religious landscape. They also looked at how religion is passed from one generation to another and how often people switch religions — in particular Christians who become nones, a number that has been increasing in recent years.

[Sky Jewels]

1. It can't happen fast enough!

A pox on all poisonous patriarchal bullshit mythology (not just Christianity). Here's hoping the "nones" become the majority very soon.

Edited to say: I am saying a pox on the harmful Abrahamic anti-women belief systems. I am not saying a pox on the people who believe them. I do hope that millions more stop buying into the tall tales and all the male-centric crap that goes with them.

[TlalocW]

4. Nones

Are currently at around 27% of the population. Evangelical Christians and Catholics are both at 21%. Of course, Nones and Evangelical can have fluid definitions depending on the situation, but it's still good news.

[Wicked Blue]

6. +100 nt

[Wounded Bear]

2. Most people don't "choose" their religion. They inherit if from their parents...nt

[texasfiddler]

3. Not fast enough. Sort of like Climate Change efforts. NT

[Vogon_Glory]

5. These poll figures show the Evangelical' success

at turning people off to the concep of Christianity. The televangelists Ann’s the preacher-politicians among the radical Right have a lot to answer for.

[Xolodno]

7. Ever since confrontational evangelism became a thing in the 70's...

...a segment of religious leaders warned that this would happen. Sure you get an influx of people, but, they don't stay and become disillusioned. Many turned a blind eye since the cash donations kept coming in.

Community based outreach, although takes longer, does keep the congregation for the long term.

Inserting politics, fear, etc. gets you short term participants, but not long term.

[Sky Jewels]

10. I grew up in a secular family and we always celebrated "Christmas."

I mean, Santa is fun. Christmas trees are pretty (and they're symbol of the REAL reason for the season -- pagan observance of the solstice). And who doesn't like getting gifts and a shitload of candy in a big sock? It breaks up the monotony of winter.

As an adult atheist, I still like the Xmas tree aspect of it, but the whole three-month lead-up and buying frenzy kinda make me feel nauseous after a while (not that I participate in that too much; I just get a few things for my husband and adult kids). And we make latkes every Xmas Eve, so shout out to Hanukkah -- your potato pancakes are freaking delicious!

[eppur_se_muova]

9. Thank God ! nt

[Initech]

11. Good! I'm so tired of the Christian right!