Empty Churches: The Rise of Non-Affiliation in America

By David Campbell

In the early 21st century, the United States is experiencing a dramatic decline in religious affiliation. According to the Pew Research Center, the percentage of Americans who identify with a religion has fallen from 84% in 1990 to 70% in 2014. This trend is particularly pronounced among young people, with only 60% of Americans under the age of 30 identifying with a religion.

The decline of religious affiliation has been accompanied by a rise in the number of Americans who identify as non-affiliated. In 2014, 23% of Americans identified as non-affiliated, up from 16% in 1990. This group includes atheists, agnostics, and those who simply do not identify with any particular religion.

Empty Churches: Non-Affiliation in America

by Jan E. Stets

4.8 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1984 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	384 pages
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The rise of non-affiliation is a complex phenomenon with a variety of causes. Some of the most important factors include:

• The increasing diversity of the American population. The United States is becoming increasingly diverse, with more and more people coming from non-Christian backgrounds. This is leading to a decline in the Christian majority and a rise in the number of Americans who do not identify with any religion.
• The secularization of American society. American society is becoming increasingly secular, with less and less emphasis on religion in public life. This is leading to a decline in the social pressure to conform to religious norms.
• The rise of individualism. Americans are becoming more and more individualistic, with less and less emphasis on traditional institutions such as religion.

The rise of non-affiliation has a number of important implications for American society. First, it is leading to a decline in the influence of religion in public life. This is likely to have a significant impact on the way that Americans think about issues such as abortion, same-sex marriage, and the role of government in society.

Second, the rise of non-affiliation is leading to a more diverse religious landscape in the United States. This is likely to lead to a greater tolerance for religious diversity and a more open and inclusive society.

Finally, the rise of non-affiliation is leading to a redefinition of what it means to be American. For many Americans, religion has been a central part of their identity. As the number of non-affiliated Americans grows, it is likely that Americans will begin to define themselves in new and different ways.

Empty Churches is a groundbreaking book that provides a comprehensive overview of the decline of religious affiliation in the United States. Author David Campbell draws on extensive research to provide a nuanced and insightful analysis of this important trend. Empty Churches is a must-read for anyone who wants to understand the changing religious landscape of America.

Empty Churches: Non-Affiliation in America

by Jan E. Stets

4.8 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1984 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	384 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE