Gallup: secular trend in U.S. religious affiliation is slowly continuing

[greenforest32]

http://www.gallup.com/poll/187955/percentage-christians-drifting-down-high.aspx

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[RFayette]

This is likely statistical noise, but the fact that there is no difference between the 18-24 and 25-29 cohorts in "None" is slightly hopeful.

[RFayette]

This is likely statistical noise, but the fact that there is no difference between the 18-24 and 25-29 cohorts in "None" is slightly hopeful.

It's not so much the nones but the larger universe of the "whatevers" who are causing the cultural change.  If the whatevers have also stabilized, that would be a really good sign, but I have my doubts.

Agreed.  Within that 62 percent of "Christian" for millenials are a very, very broad spectrum of beliefs, from fundamentalists like me to moderate Protestants, Catholics, and a whole bunch of pretty apathetic folks.  In that sense, the data isn't too descriptive.

[ElectionsGuy]

It looks like those born right after the Vietnam era were the start of increasing secularization. Interesting stuff.

[Young Conservative]

I pray this trend reverses. We need a new great awakening

[Brittain33]

This is likely statistical noise, but the fact that there is no difference between the 18-24 and 25-29 cohorts in "None" is slightly hopeful.

Conversely, it may be that some of the youngest cohort haven't yet made the transition from religious to non-religious in their own lives but will.

[afleitch]

This is likely statistical noise, but the fact that there is no difference between the 18-24 and 25-29 cohorts in "None" is slightly hopeful.

Conversely, it may be that some of the youngest cohort haven't yet made the transition from religious to non-religious in their own lives but will.

Particularly as they may still be reliant on family for accommodation and financial support. The figures for youngest cohorts are moving more in line with European figures. Probably still a decade behind though.

[🦀🎂🦀🎂]

This is likely statistical noise, but the fact that there is no difference between the 18-24 and 25-29 cohorts in "None" is slightly hopeful.

Conversely, it may be that some of the youngest cohort haven't yet made the transition from religious to non-religious in their own lives but will.

Perhaps it's because younger people are more likely to be Hispanic, and Hispanics are more likely to be religious?

[they don't love you like i love you]

This is all purely anecdotal and maybe limited only to people in a "hipster"/"alternative" outlook, but basically every person I know in the "None" category went there in the 18-24 category, if not earlier. Far more likely to occur in 25-29 is moving BACK from "None" to Christian rather than moving to "None" for the first time.

[Brittain33]

This is all purely anecdotal and maybe limited only to people in a "hipster"/"alternative" outlook, but basically every person I know in the "None" category went there in the 18-24 category, if not earlier. Far more likely to occur in 25-29 is moving BACK from "None" to Christian rather than moving to "None" for the first time.

True, but consider the 18/19/20-year-olds who are religious now but will become "None" as they get to college and graduate as 21/22/23/24-year-olds.

[tallguy23]

Very few of my friends who've moved to "none" status have moved back (granted I live in LA).

Those that have might just baptize their kids and go to church on Xmas/Easter, but don't make it a cornerstone of their life. I see this as a growing trend.