The Decline of Religion's Role in American Culture
- Elizabeth Delaney Headlines Contributor
- Updated Aug 22, 2024
Perhaps the only thing that has been as persistent and stubbornly high as inflation is the belief that America is on the wrong track and that religion's influence in US culture is declining. The majority of Americans believe both. The latest Rasmussen Reports poll found that only 35 percent of Americans believe that America is headed in the right direction. This particular mindset isn't just some passing trend. Most Americans have felt that way for the past 12 years, according to The Daily Beast.
The last time most Americans felt the country was headed in the right direction was right after the 9/11 attack on the nation. When Americans gathered to support each other, patriotism was high, and the words "God Bless America" took on a new depth of sincerity. But that only lasted for a short time. About seven months later, according to The Daily Beast, only about 40 percent of Americans felt the country was headed in the right direction.
At the same time, 80 percent of Americans presently believe that the role of religion in America is declining in its influence, according to Pew Research. That being said, about 57 percent of Americans also believe that the influence of religion on American life is a positive one.
Connection between Right Direction and Influence of Religion
There is an interesting correlation here in connection to Americans feeling the country is headed in the right direction, the influence of religion in the culture, and church attendance right after the 9/11 attacks. Perhaps it's not surprising that many New York churches saw a massive surge the weekend following that attack, according to The Gospel Coalition.
As for the rest of the nation, Gallup and Barna found a slight increase. However, the increase in attendance nationwide, including in New York, wasn't lasting. Nevertheless, there was still an increase.
Another area that suggests that most Americans want the influence of religious values in the culture is in connection to the Pledge of Allegiance. Rasmussen Reports found that 55 percent of Americans want school children to be required to say the Pledge of Allegiance at school every day. In addition, a Lifeway Research poll found that 85 percent of Americans want to keep the words "under God" in the pledge.
Most Americans Identify with Christianity
While many people may feel that religion's influence in US culture is on the decline, a Gallup poll found that 68 percent of Americans claim to identify with the Christian religion in particular.
There certainly are areas in which Christians have made their preferences known in regard to wanting a religious influence in American culture. One of the most notable that happened in 2024 was with the Christian series, "The Chosen," which stunned the movie industry when it came in second place at the box office, according to Box Office Pro.
A more recent glimmer of hope regarding the Christians who influence the culture came when it was announced that Carrie Underwood would replace Katy Perry for the upcoming season of American Idol.
"Carrie Underwood is the first 'American Idol' alum ever to join the judging panel," the show's executive producer, Megan Wolflick, told ABC.
"Her global superstar status as the most successful 'Idol' winner to date makes her a perfect fit for the show. She embodies the true spirit of 'Idol' as she defines the Cinderella story herself. Our future hopefuls will have the chance to receive advice from someone who has walked in their exact footsteps every step of the way."
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