(ZENIT News / Washington, 06.13.2024).- In a recent report from the Pew Research Center, a significant 80% of Americans believe that religion is losing its influence on public life, with nearly half viewing this trend as negative. Conversely, 18% of respondents feel that religious influence is on the rise.
Sierra Johns, a 33-year-old Christian homemaker from near Charlotte, North Carolina, concurs with the survey’s findings. She notes that while the general influence of religion may be waning, those who were previously influenced by it seem to be holding even more tightly to their faith. «Religion was cultural for a long time, but not anymore,» she observes. «Many who used to identify as ‘religious’ no longer feel the need because society now holds a more moralistic, rather than theistic, worldview.»
An overwhelming 94% of those surveyed expressed the importance of the U.S. president leading a moral life. However, there is skepticism about the religiosity of the main presidential candidates for the 2024 elections. Only 13% view President Joe Biden, a practicing Catholic, as «very religious,» while a mere 4% see former President Donald Trump, a non-denominational Christian, in the same light.
Political preferences also reveal stark differences: 51% of Republicans prefer a president who shares their religious beliefs, a figure that rises to 70% among white evangelical Protestants. In contrast, only 25% of Democrats prioritize a president’s religious beliefs, and just 11% of religiously unaffiliated Americans consider it important.
Helen Thomas, a 40-year-old freelance writer from Kenosha, Wisconsin, attributes the decline in religious influence to poor examples set by religious and political leaders. «We have such poor examples of ‘religious leaders’ and Christianity in general,» she remarks, pointing to mega-churches and figures like Donald Trump. Thomas, who identifies as a non-denominational Christian, believes that extremism, especially from the far-right aligning with conservative Christian views, contributes to the diminishing religious influence in American culture.
While 49% of respondents view the decline of religion in public life negatively, 13% see it positively. Lisa York, a 47-year-old painter from Buffalo, New York, falls into the latter group. «Some of the worst wars and actions have been committed in the name of God,» she states, criticizing how some people use religion to justify prejudice and hatred. York, a former Catholic, insists that one does not need to fear God to treat others kindly.
Mandy Devine, a 56-year-old Christian life coach from Statesville, North Carolina, agrees with the survey’s findings but suggests that «religion» should be replaced with «Christianity.» She points to internal disunity and the church’s failure to distinguish itself from secular attitudes as reasons for the perceived decline. «If we love God with all our hearts, love our neighbors, and walk in unity,» Devine asserts, «people will flock to be part of this beautiful gift of grace.»
The Pew Research Center’s report underscores a critical cultural shift in America, reflecting varied perspectives on the role and influence of religion in modern society.
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