Losing My Religion: What’s Driving Pennsylvania’s Spiritual Decline?

An increasing number of Pennsylvanians—and Americans as a whole—are stepping away from church and prayer. The surge in secularism can be attributed to various factors.

Data from Pew Research Center and Gallup show Americans are becoming less religious.

Fewer people believe in God, and fewer people believe religion is an important part of life, attend church regularly, or maintain a membership with a church, mosque, or synagogue than in the past. 

Whether or not the fall of religion is good or bad is in the eye of the beholder. Here are nine reasons for the decline.

1: Easier Access to Education

One reason for less religious affiliation is due to easier access to education.

According to the University of Notre Dame’s Rooney Center, religious institutions historically provided Americans access to high-quality education through private schools and universities.

However, secular educational opportunities, including better-quality public schools, have taken the church’s place in some cases. 

2: Non-Religious Support For the Poor

Religious institutions used to be a major source of support for lower-income Americans.

The Rooney Center report notes that in many situations, government aid has taken the place of aid from religious institutions.

3: Secular Marriage Options

A 2021 survey of over 5,000 adults found that only 3% of couples married before 1972 had secular unions. From 2011 to 2021, that number grew to 16% of couples.

While churches used to dominate the institution of marriage, many couples now opt for secular ceremonies that reflect their personal interests and values. 

4: Scientific Explanations

Historically, big life questions, like where we came from and why we’re here, were only answerable through religion.

Now, scientists offer explanations from the Big Bang theory to human evolution that take the place of some people’s need for religion. 

5: Diversity

According to the U.S. Census, the United States has become dramatically more diverse as recently as 2010.

As we make friends with people from different cultures and beliefs, it’s natural to resist religions that claim to provide the only “right” way to live and thrive. 

6: Busy Schedules

A 2019 study by OnePoll found that 60% of Americans struggle to keep up with day-to-day tasks.

Our busy lifestyles make participating in a religious community more difficult. Carving out time to attend church or other religious events may not be as feasible as it once was. 

7: Politics

According to the Rooney Center, political scientists have found that Christianity, America’s largest religion, has become increasingly associated with conservative politics.

Because of this, some who are religious but not conservative are moving away from their religious affiliations. 

8: Evangelical Backlash

In an interview with Nebraska Public Media, Dr. Phillip Schwadel, a distinguished sociologist, noted that many Americans growing up in the 1990s and early 2000s found themselves in a culture rife with evangelical Protestantism.

Many disagreed with the political and social constructs this particular sect of Christianity promoted and may have left religion entirely as a result. 

9: Making Moves 

Dr. Schwadel also noted that Americans are more migratory now than they have been in the past.

We’re less likely to stay in the town or even state that we grew up in, which means we’re less likely to retain roots with a church or religious community. 

Benefits of Religion

Though religion is waning in America, studies show religious people experience several benefits.

From better health to more community giving, there could be reasons Americans should promote more, rather than less, religion. 

More Well Being

Stanford anthropologist Tanya Luhrmann links profound religious faith with scientifically proven health-promoting practices.

In her book, How God Becomes Real: Kindling the Presence of Invisible Others, she notes that many religious practices, like prayer, are similar to mindfulness and cognitive behavioral therapy.

This may be why religious people tend to report better mental well-being.  

Greater Happiness

Religious people are happier and report more life satisfaction than their non-religious counterparts, according to recent research. 

However, it’s unclear whether happier people are more likely to engage in religion or whether religion actually contributes to happiness. 

More Giving 

The 2000 Social Capital Community Benchmark Survey examined 50 U.S. communities for their giving and volunteering habits.

The results, as reported by the Hoover Institute, showed that those who attended church on a weekly or near-weekly basis were significantly more likely to give time or resources to secular and religious charities. 

More Civic Engagement 

Pew Research data from 2019 revealed that people with religious affiliations are more likely to be civically engaged.

They’re more likely to vote in elections and more likely to be involved with community groups. 

Negative Effects

While religion has clear positive effects for many, it also comes with risks.

Researchers have noted several negative aspects of religious participation, which could mean America’s movement away from religion isn’t a bad thing. 

Guilt, Shame, and Trauma

Some religious groups create environments that thrive on guilt and shame.

In these spaces, it’s more likely that church members will experience religious trauma. One study suggests that up to one-third of Americans have experienced religious trauma at some point in their lives. 

Rigid Thinking

In some religious sects, specifically those labeled as “fundamentalist,” questioning beliefs and critical thinking are discouraged.

In those cases, cognitive neuroscientist Bobby Azarian, PhD, writes that religion is maladaptive and not beneficial for people’s health. 

The Backlash 

The Rooney Center reports that religion is experiencing a reactionary backlash.

As progressives disaffiliate with religion and more right-leaning conservatives identify as Christian, they note that America could be leaning towards ethno-nationalism. 

More Like Russia

An example of ethno-nationalism in practice is Putin’s Russia.

In Russia, the number of people who identify as Russian-Orthodox is growing. However, closer analysis reveals there hasn’t been a complementary rise in religious practices or church attendance. 

Ethno-Nationalism’s Rise

Ethno-nationalism has been on the rise in Europe for several years.

Research suggests this is due to economic factors and the refugee crisis. Some believe it’s also coming to the U.S., perhaps for similar reasons. 

Fighting Back 

If further identification with religion is contributing to a rise in ethno-nationalism in the U.S., many agree that the loss of religion is a good thing.

However, several Christian leaders are fighting back against the nationalistic trends within their community. 

Inaccurate Representation

The group Christians Against Christian Nationalism says the views spouted by certain, typically ultra-right-wing Christians don’t reflect the religion’s teachings.

They hope to educate Christian communities on the signs of the ideology so that they can combat it within their churches. 

Leveling Off