America’s Coming Religious Divide

Daniel A. Cox January 12, 2023

Artist rendition of numerous persons standing in the shape of the United States with a rift through the center just west of where the Mississippi River would lie.

The most important trend in American religion can be summarized in just two words: steady and uneven. For nearly the past three decades, national surveys have shown a consistent drop in religious affiliation, attendance, and even belief in God. At the same time, these same surveys show that this national decline varies dramatically by region, generation, and religious commitment. 

Americans are inarguably more secular than they once were, but large numbers of Americans remain as staunchly committed to their faith and religious communities as ever. We are becoming a country with dueling religious experiences and perspectives—we are very religious and very secular. 

How has this happened?


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