Religion has a long and complicated history in the United States—one that has been marked by periods of intense change, fluctuation, and even complete transformation. The current era of that history is generally thought of as one of secularization, as the American population moves away from traditional Judeo-Christian values and beliefs. This trend has caused a major shift in the religious landscape in the United States, and its effects are far-reaching and multi-faceted. Here, we’ll take a look at how secularization has changed religion in the United States over the course of recent years and examine its impacts in terms of belief and practice.
What is Secularization?
Put simply, secularization is the process by which religion becomes less important in society, and society itself becomes less religious in nature. The concept of “secularization” has been around since the 19th century, but more recently the trend of secularization has been picking up speed. A 2018 poll from the Pew Research Center confirms the trend, reporting that a growing number of Americans were identifying as “religiously unaffiliated” over the past two decades.
The Factors Driving Secularization
There are multiple factors driving secularization in the 21st century, and all of them contribute to the slow shift away from traditional religion and religious practice. Here are some of the primary factors on the list:
1.Saturation of secular media and entertainment: With the proliferation of new technology and media platforms, it’s easier than ever to get access to secular music, movies, TV shows, and books. And those secular sources of entertainment long outnumber the available religious ones.
2.Access to information and knowledge: Along with the rise of secular media and entertainment, comes the rise of knowledge and information. As more information is made readily available, people have begun to question religious beliefs and sources, leading to increased doubt and uncertainty.
3.Innovation in Science and Technology: It’s no secret that advances in science and technology have provided us with answers to questions that have long been left unanswered. As a result, many people have grown to rely on reason and technology rather than religion for their beliefs.
4.Activity in the Political Arena: It’s no secret that politics has often been intertwined with the beliefs and practices associated with certain religions. This can be seen in the growing fights for—and against—same-sex marriage, abortion rights, and the role of religious authority in government. Such political debates have certainly divided society, and led many to question the actual moral authority of religion.
The Effects of Secularization on Religion
It’s clear that secularization has had a major impact on religion in the United States. Here are some of the ways it has changed belief and practice in recent years:
1.Decrease in religious affiliation: As previously mentioned, the number of those identifying as “religiously unaffiliated” has increased dramatically in recent years. This is especially true among young people; a recent survey conducted by the Public Religion Research Institute found that very nearly half of Americans between the ages of 18-24 identify as “not religious.”
2.Change in religious practice: The shift away from religion has had major impacts on religious practice. Regular church attendance has declined, prayer is no longer as commonplace, and involvement in religious activities (like Bible studies and Sunday School) has fallen drastically. This has caused a drastic change in the way that religious communities interact and practice their faith.
3.Shift in religious values and beliefs: Alongside the change in religious practice, there has also been a shift in beliefs and values. For example, fewer people hold to traditional religious views on social issues such as abortion and same-sex marriage, and fewer people are holding to the “Though shalt not” aspect of religious morals—instead opting for a more individualized and autonomous moral code.
Religion has undoubtedly changed a great deal in recent years due to the growing trend of secularization. Religion has become less important in the lives of Americans, religious practice has changed drastically, and beliefs and values have also morphed into something quite different from the traditional Judeo-Christian norms. Such change will certainly continue, as society moves farther and farther away from religion and embraces the secular values of the 21st century.
