Faith doesn’t always equate to practicing your religion. However, in America it used to mean a higher degree of participation in your house of worship. In America Christianity is rapidly declining. It isn't just Christianity but every religion is on the decline. When people are asked about religious affiliation on surveys or other inquiries people are replacing a religious affiliation with “none” according to Pew Research.[i] So what has happened where people choose 'none' when asked about their spiritual preferences. Why the change?
Community historically happened in churches across America in years past. For instance, it was your neighbor or coworker that might tell you “See you Sunday” on a Friday afternoon. The phrase "See you Sunday" indicated community and solidarity around a house of worship. Now people seek their community other places.
An article in The Atlantic notes that now when driving down main street USA “you might see more churches for sale than homes.”[ii] The Atlantic also notes less people are going to church than ever before.[iii] As a country America historically has its roots in freedom of religion. Now, Americans choose instead to be 'free' from religion. For many, religion may seem too binding or a kind of rule book with no real value. It's seen as archaic instead of a way to practice one's faith.
In truth, if Americans only went to church because their community and neighbors did, then it is no wonder church attendance is down. Now, more people are finding community in other places. They choose community that appears more interesting or exciting. Also, perhaps church was seen as an obligation in years past, but now seen as out of style or out of step.
On the other hand, perhaps lower church attendance is a good thing, because then the people attending church are really wanting to attend. It is not just a social activity as in decades past. Now it is a true practicing of someone's faith.
However, there are also other forces at work driving church attendance down. Americans are busier than ever. Even though many Americans may want to go to church there is less time to do so. From my own childhood experience of going to church more than once a week seemed normal, but now getting to church even once a week feels challenging.
The competition for things other than church has also escalated. There are many activities and ways to be involved now on Sunday that would not have been allowed in years past, because of consideration for worship services. The other consideration that Americans will have to face now is where do they want to get their community.
While, yes, some are going other places for social interaction many are not engaged in a community of faith or anything else. They are simply not connected to any community institution at all. Not church, not schools, nothing. This pattern of disengagement from all community connections is more problematic because it means people now prefer their community online, thus having less face-to-face interaction.
While there is benefit in social engagement online, I would argue people still need to have face to face time with other people. I never used to worry about social skills with people. However, now there is more and more teaching that is occurring to help both children and adults work on social skills. Too much isolation can lead to real struggles for people when they need to engage in face to face community. Indeed, COVID taught us all about the costs of too much social isolation. Social isolation only increased mental health concerns with increased depression and anxiety.
The challenge moving forward is where do people want to find their community? Perhaps, if people look for community in some of the historical places like places of worship, schools, and neighborhoods then those institutions can still serve people’s needs and give everyone what they crave--a sense of belonging.
Consider these points below as you think about community and faith.
1. Faith is connected to community. It’s hard to read about faith in ancient texts including the Bible that doesn’t understand faith as a part of the community. Faith is not meant to be practiced alone. Meaning faith is meant to be in group.
2. Go In Person! Attend a faith community in person, because they offer support, encouragement, and connection with the divine that only happens when other worshipers gather.
3. Consider what you are passing on. If your faith doesn't appear important to you by the way you live and practice it then it is doubtful it will make an impact on those around you--including your family.
--by Jered B.
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[i] Mitchell, Travis. “In U.S., Decline of Christianity Continues at Rapid Pace.” Pew Research Center, October 17, 2019. https://www.pewresearch.org/religion/2019/10/17/in-u-s-decline-of-christianity-continues-at-rapid-pace/.
[ii] Fattal, Isabel. “Why so Many Americans Have Stopped Going to Church.” The Atlantic, August 3, 2023. https://www.theatlantic.com/newsletters/archive/2023/08/why-church-religion-attendance-decline/674916/.
[iii] Fattal, Isabel. “Why so Many Americans Have Stopped Going to Church.” The Atlantic, August 3, 2023. https://www.theatlantic.com/newsletters/archive/2023/08/why-church-religion-attendance-decline/674916/.
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