Pew polling shows years of U.S. Christianity decline slowing, possibly stabilizing
The Pew Religious Landscape Study showed 62% of poll respondents identify as Christian while 29% are religiously unaffiliated.
Pew said in an executive summary of poll findings, that "the Christian share of the population, after years of decline, has been relatively stable since 2019."
The poll found the Christian share of the U.S. adult population between 2019 and 2024 stayed between 60% and 64%.
The decline in Christianity in America had been happening since 2007 before appearing to level off in this poll.
Pew said in action statement, "The latest RLS, fielded over seven months in 2023-24, finds that 62% of U.S. adults identify as Christians. That is a decline of 9 percentage points since 2014 and a 16-point drop since 2007."
Among those who said they were Christian in the poll, 40% identified as Protestant, 19% Catholic and 3% are other Christians.
Pew's poll sampling 36,908 adults found 2% of poll respondents were Jewish and 1% each said they are Muslim, Buddhist or Hindu.
Much higher percentages reported having spiritual beliefs, with 86% believing in the existence of a soul, 83% believing in God or a universal spirit, 79% believing in something spiritual beyond the natural world and 70% believing in an afterlife and heaven or hell or both.
The Pew poll found younger people are far less religious than older Americans.
Among Americans older than 74, 80% said they are Christian while just 46% of people 18-24 identified as Christian. Daily prayer was reported by 58% of the older group, with just 27% of the younger group reporting daily prayer.
Pew said in a statement, "One driver of the long-term trend is 'generational replacement.' Older, highly religious, heavily Christian generations are passing away. The younger generations succeeding them are much less religious, with smaller percentages of Christians and more 'nones.'"
The poll showed political polarization among those identifying as Christian.
Among Conservative poll respondents, 82% said they were Christian. Moderates reported 61% identifying as Christian. For liberals, just 37% said they were Christian in this poll.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Newsweek
32 minutes ago
- Newsweek
Hilarity As Cat Owners Share How Their Pets 'Trained' Them for Parenthood
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. In a viral Instagram video, a couple of cat owners from Italy revealed all the ways in which their felines have prepared them for parenthood, and internet users can't cope with the hilarious footage. Shared on Saturday under the username @turbo_piuma_pila, the clip shows the poster patiently dealing with each of their cats' demands. These range from early-morning feedings to forced cuddles on the bed while they try to sleep, with the owner gaining precious parenting experience while doing so. "How my cats trained me for parenthood," reads layover text in the clip, "1—sleep deprivation. 2—learning to decode wordless communication. 3—accepting that personal space is a myth. 4—Perfecting the art of patience." As if that wasn't enough, the poster also adds in the caption: "I would add that we're also used to cleaning their litter waste." American pet owners, especially Gen Zers and millennials, increasingly see their pets as their fur-babies, and even buy them surprise gifts on their birthday and for Christmas. Pets are actually getting more presents than some people. About 3 in 10 Americans buy Christmas presents for their pet, according to data by YouGov, while only 1 in 10 get gifts for their co-workers or neighbors. Owners love their furry companions so much that more than half of them would be willing to pay over a thousand dollars to save them from a life-threatening ailment. When YouGov asked pet owners if they would save their closest pet or a person from a sinking boat, about 43 percent of respondents said the person, and at least 39 percent went with their closest pet. Stock image: A human hand holds a white fluffy cat up in the air. Stock image: A human hand holds a white fluffy cat up in the air. getty images The video quickly went viral on social media and has so far received over 140,000 views and almost 8,000 likes on the platform. One user, Merely_michela, commented: "The way they were gathered around the sonogram." Oreoandpumpkinspice posted: "They trained you purrfectly!" Somaliamore added: "I'm sure it's a walk in the park after that." Another user, ildragoscintillante, commented: "I think I have watched this video about 20 times now, looking for the right comment to write. But the only thing I can think of is [10 laughing faces]." Newsweek reached out to @turbo_piuma_pila for comment via Instagram comments. We could not verify the details of the case. Do you have funny and adorable videos or pictures of your pet you want to share? Send them to life@ with some details about your best friend, and they could appear in our Pet of the Week lineup.
3 hours ago
In Kenya's capital, a new Rastafari temple shows the movement's endurance
NAIROBI, Kenya -- At a recent opening of the newest Rastafari place of worship just outside Kenya's capital, some of the faithful gathered to sing rhythmic songs, read Scripture and exchange teachings on the appropriate way to live. The rare event — opening a tabernacle made of wooden poles and roofed with iron sheets — illustrated the community's expanding ranks in a country where until recently Rastafari was not considered a legitimate religion. Things changed in 2019 with a court ruling in favor of a petitioner who cited discrimination when her school demanded that she cut her dreadlocks, often preferred by those who follow the Rastafari religion. The student's refusal to cut her locks had resulted in her expulsion from school, but the High Court ruled Rastafari was a legitimate religion that should be protected, a ruling later affirmed by the Supreme Court. Across the world, the faithful are known as Rastafarians, members of the movement launched in 1930 with the coronation in Ethiopia of Ras Tafari Mekonnen as Emperor Haile Selassie I. Rastafarians believe Selassie was the final incarnation of the biblical Jesus, and during his reign many Rastafarians made pilgrimage to the Horn of Africa nation. For Rastafarians, Ethiopia was a symbol of pride for its unbroken resistance to colonizers and Selassie was Jah, the deity. Selassie was removed from power in a 1974 coup by a military junta. He died a year later. But the movement inspired by his rise to power in Ethiopia survives in countries ranging from the United States to Ghana. It is unclear how many people identify as Rastafari in Kenya, a country dominated by Christians and Muslims. At least 30 Rastafarians came to the tabernacle opening in Ruai, some 25 kilometers (15 miles) east of Nairobi, last month. In Kenya, the movement is set up under three 'mansions' or branches: Nyabinghi, Bobo Ashanti and The Twelve tribes of Israel. The 'mansions' represent small groups of Rastafarians who meet to worship together. Unlike traditional places of worship that are housed in architect-designed permanent structures, a Rastafari tabernacle is built with wooden poles, roofed with iron sheets and decorated in the unmistakable Rastafari colors of red, yellow and green. Rastafarians around the world have a reputation for their unique Afrocentric spirituality, and they are generally known to be peace advocates. They oppose oppression and gravitate to music and art. The Jamaican reggae singer Bob Marley was a famous Rastafari. There are challenges, including those that stem from misunderstandings about the religion. Across East Africa, Rastafarians are often stereotyped as lazy and indulging in prohibited substances like marijuana. Known to Rastafarians as ganja, marijuana is an important item in religious ceremonies. The community has been growing in Kenya, attracting mostly young people. Ng'ang'a Njuguna, a Rastafari elder in the Nyabinghi mansion of Kenya, describes Rastafari as not just a religion but a way of life. 'It is a spiritual way of life,' he said. 'That is why we connect with nature, we connect with animals, we connect with every living being because Rastafari is all about the spiritual world.' Fedrick Wangai, 26, is one of the newest members. He converted six years ago in what he described as his emancipation from Western religion. 'I grew up in a Christian setup and I ended up questioning the faith because it was made by the white man who was the colonial master of my forefathers,' he said. 'Growing up for me in that religion was very difficult for me because I believe it brought division to the Black people.' Christine Wanjiru, a 58-year-old who became a Rastafarian in 1994, making her one of the oldest members of her community, recalled that being one once was difficult as it often attracted discrimination and stigma. 'Back then, there was a lot of stigma and discrimination against Rastafari,' she said. 'Most people never saw Rastafari as a good thing or a spiritual thing, from family members to the government, the police, all round. But we endured and we are here today.' She added, however, that since then 'more brethren have received this light and have come to Rastafari.' Ng'ang'a Njuguna, an elder in the Nyabinghi mansion, says the movement has been growing largely because of interest from young Kenyans. 'They have that fire, they like how Rasta people carry themselves, how Rasta people live,' he said. 'Our diet, art and skills.' ___
San Francisco Chronicle
4 hours ago
- San Francisco Chronicle
In Kenya's capital, a new Rastafari temple shows the movement's endurance
NAIROBI, Kenya (AP) — At a recent opening of the newest Rastafari place of worship just outside Kenya's capital, some of the faithful gathered to sing rhythmic songs, read Scripture and exchange teachings on the appropriate way to live. The rare event — opening a tabernacle made of wooden poles and roofed with iron sheets — illustrated the community's expanding ranks in a country where until recently Rastafari was not considered a legitimate religion. Things changed in 2019 with a court ruling in favor of a petitioner who cited discrimination when her school demanded that she cut her dreadlocks, often preferred by those who follow the Rastafari religion. The student's refusal to cut her locks had resulted in her expulsion from school, but the High Court ruled Rastafari was a legitimate religion that should be protected, a ruling later affirmed by the Supreme Court. A history of the religion Across the world, the faithful are known as Rastafarians, members of the movement launched in 1930 with the coronation in Ethiopia of Ras Tafari Mekonnen as Emperor Haile Selassie I. Rastafarians believe Selassie was the final incarnation of the biblical Jesus, and during his reign many Rastafarians made pilgrimage to the Horn of Africa nation. For Rastafarians, Ethiopia was a symbol of pride for its unbroken resistance to colonizers and Selassie was Jah, the deity. Selassie was removed from power in a 1974 coup by a military junta. He died a year later. But the movement inspired by his rise to power in Ethiopia survives in countries ranging from the United States to Ghana. A religious minority in Kenya It is unclear how many people identify as Rastafari in Kenya, a country dominated by Christians and Muslims. At least 30 Rastafarians came to the tabernacle opening in Ruai, some 25 kilometers (15 miles) east of Nairobi, last month. In Kenya, the movement is set up under three 'mansions' or branches: Nyabinghi, Bobo Ashanti and The Twelve tribes of Israel. The 'mansions' represent small groups of Rastafarians who meet to worship together. Unlike traditional places of worship that are housed in architect-designed permanent structures, a Rastafari tabernacle is built with wooden poles, roofed with iron sheets and decorated in the unmistakable Rastafari colors of red, yellow and green. Rastafarians around the world have a reputation for their unique Afrocentric spirituality, and they are generally known to be peace advocates. They oppose oppression and gravitate to music and art. The Jamaican reggae singer Bob Marley was a famous Rastafari. There are challenges, including those that stem from misunderstandings about the religion. Across East Africa, Rastafarians are often stereotyped as lazy and indulging in prohibited substances like marijuana. Known to Rastafarians as ganja, marijuana is an important item in religious ceremonies. The community has been growing in Kenya, attracting mostly young people. Ng'ang'a Njuguna, a Rastafari elder in the Nyabinghi mansion of Kenya, describes Rastafari as not just a religion but a way of life. 'It is a spiritual way of life,' he said. 'That is why we connect with nature, we connect with animals, we connect with every living being because Rastafari is all about the spiritual world.' Fedrick Wangai, 26, is one of the newest members. He converted six years ago in what he described as his emancipation from Western religion. 'I grew up in a Christian setup and I ended up questioning the faith because it was made by the white man who was the colonial master of my forefathers,' he said. 'Growing up for me in that religion was very difficult for me because I believe it brought division to the Black people.' Christine Wanjiru, a 58-year-old who became a Rastafarian in 1994, making her one of the oldest members of her community, recalled that being one once was difficult as it often attracted discrimination and stigma. 'Back then, there was a lot of stigma and discrimination against Rastafari,' she said. 'Most people never saw Rastafari as a good thing or a spiritual thing, from family members to the government, the police, all round. But we endured and we are here today.' She added, however, that since then 'more brethren have received this light and have come to Rastafari.' Ng'ang'a Njuguna, an elder in the Nyabinghi mansion, says the movement has been growing largely because of interest from young Kenyans. 'They have that fire, they like how Rasta people carry themselves, how Rasta people live,' he said. 'Our diet, art and skills.' ___ Associated Press religion coverage receives support through the AP's collaboration with The Conversation US, with funding from Lilly Endowment Inc. The AP is solely responsible for this content.
