3 Surprising trends about religion in America (Backed by data)

Research from the Pew Research Center and analysis by scholars like Ryan Burge, Faith Counts’ Research Director, shows that religion in America is changing in surprising ways. While many assume religion is simply declining, the data reveals a more complex picture of belief, identity, and social change.

1. Religion is declining in traditional affiliation, but it is not disappearing

According to the Pew Research Center, the share of Americans who are religiously unaffiliated (“nones”) has grown from about 5% in the 1970s to roughly 25–30% today. However, Burge notes that this growth has recently slowed. Even among the religiously unaffiliated, many still report believing in God, prayer, or some form of spirituality, showing that belief often continues outside organized religion.

2. Young men are becoming more religious than young women

Historically, women have been more religious than men across most measures of belief and participation. However, recent Pew Research data shows that younger men are now closing this gap and, in some cases, match or slightly exceed young women in religious identity, attendance, and self-reported importance of faith. Burge’s analysis also highlights this generational shift as one of the most unexpected changes in modern religious trends in the U.S.

3. Knowing people of different religions affects belief

Pew Research Center studies show that a large majority of Americans now know someone from a different religion. This exposure to religious diversity is associated with increased empathy, reduced stereotyping, and greater openness toward different beliefs. Researchers note that personal relationships across faith lines tend to soften rigid views and increase understanding of religious differences.

Why these religion trends count

These shifts, highlighted in both Pew Research data and Ryan Burge’s analysis, affect culture, identity, and community life in the United States. They help explain how religion, belief, and spirituality are changing in modern American society.

Quick Answers (FAQ)

• Is religion disappearing in America? No.
• Are young men becoming more religious? In some cases, yes.
• Does knowing other religions change beliefs? Yes, it increases openness.
• Is spirituality still common? Yes, even outside religion.