More “Nones,” less Nuns: Is Christianity on a Decline?
Marguax Ip-Geisler
April 17, 2024
“I am a devout Christian.” These are the words my mother has eagerly anticipated hearing from me throughout my whole life. Despite being baptized, receiving my first communion, and getting confirmed, I still find myself uncertain.
Christianity was the faith I was born into, as my father, an agnostic, never voiced his beliefs in opposition to my mother's. Throughout her entire life, my mother has remained steadfast in her devotion to God and has instilled the responsibility of upholding her spiritual legacy.
Christianity has historically been one of the most commonly practiced religions in North America. According to CNN, 64% of Americans currently identify as Christians. However, growing up in a Christian household, I never truly identified with the religion. After talking to many of my Christian peers, I can confidently say I’m not alone in feeling detached from my identity as a Christian. This seemingly shared experience led me to wonder: will Christianity eventually die out?
After some investigation, I discovered that church leaders and experts have been cautioning against the decline of Christianity in America for a significant period. They predict that the American church might end up like churches in Western Europe: grand Gothic cathedrals devoid of people, church buildings repurposed as skate parks and clubs, and society growing increasingly dissuaded from organized religion.
The number of immigrants in the United States is higher than in any other country. This demographic transformation is referred to as the “Browning of America,” a recognized phenomenon signifying a projected shift in population that will result in white individuals becoming the minority in the United States by the year 2045. Some scholars argue that those predicting the American church’s decline often overlook how the influx of Christians from the Global South will revitalize the religious landscape of the country. If White Christians embrace this change, Christianity could experience a resurgence in America. However, if they do not, the future may not look promising for the Christian majority.
The convergence of Black and Brown Christians migrating from regions such as Latin America and Asia intersects with contrasting development: the rise of the White Christian nationalist movement that erroneously asserts that the United States was established as a White, Christian nation. This movement exhibits hostility towards immigrants who are not of European descent. Christian nationalism claims that the United States is a Christian nation and advocates for the country's laws to be based on Christian principles. This evangelical ideology has led many people to believe that the biggest challenge to the future of Christianity in America is not the declining attendance from US civilians, but rather the church's inability to adapt to the rapidly growing number of immigrants.
The Covid pandemic also significantly affected church attendance, as church membership in the US dropped below 50% for the first time in history. As of November 2022, 20% are attending in-person services less often.
Church leaders in the US have also expressed concerns about the growing number of “Nones” – individuals who identify as atheist, agnostic, or having no specific religious affiliation. Approximately 30% of Americans now align themselves with this group. While the Christian population has been experiencing a gradual decline, the number of “Nones” has been increasing. Interestingly enough, most of these “Nones” were actually raised in a religious household, usually Christian. Over time, they have distanced themselves from religious institutions.
Though 64% of the American population still consider themselves Christian today, this figure represents a notable decrease from 50 years ago when 90% of Americans identified as Christian. The rise of those who do not affiliate themselves with any religion may eventually become the majority.
Christianity has experienced a continuous decline over many years. In order to address this issue, the church must adopt a more inclusive approach, respecting the beliefs of “Nones” and welcoming those who are immigrants. By doing so, Christianity can potentially create a more accepting and diverse environment within the church. While this transformation may not receive unanimous support, it has the potential to foster a church welcome to everyone.