Overall Snapshot: A Shifting Majority

The religious identity of the United States is undergoing a notable transformation. While a majority still identify as Christian, this proportion has seen changes over recent decades, alongside a significant rise in those unaffiliated with any religion. Recent data suggests a potential stabilization in these trends.

A key development is the apparent slowing of Christian decline and “none” growth since around 2019-2020, suggesting a potential new phase in America’s religious landscape.

Major Traditions: Protestant & Catholic Dynamics

Within Christianity, Protestantism and Catholicism remain the largest traditions. Both have seen shifts in their share of the population, though recent years indicate a stabilization. Other Christian groups, like Latter-day Saints and Orthodox Christians, have maintained consistent shares.

The Protestant share fell from 51% in 2007 to 40% in 2023-24, while Catholics moved from 24% to 19% in the same period. Nondenominational Protestants have notably grown to 7% of U.S. adults.

Generational Crossroads: Faith Across Age Groups

Age is a significant factor in religious affiliation. Younger generations (Millennials and Gen Z) are considerably less likely to identify as Christian and more likely to be religiously unaffiliated compared to older generations.

Source: Pew Research Center (2023-24 for 18-24 & 74+), Gallup (2024 for other gens)

For example, 46% of adults aged 18-24 identify as Christian, compared to 80% of those 74+. Conversely, 43% of the youngest adults are “nones,” versus 13% of the oldest. Some research (Barna) suggests a recent rise in personal commitment to Jesus among younger generations, potentially outside traditional affiliation.

Faith in Action: Practices & Beliefs

Beyond affiliation, religious practices like church attendance and prayer offer insights. While attendance patterns have evolved, many Americans maintain personal spiritual practices and beliefs.

The COVID-19 pandemic impacted attendance, normalizing remote participation for some. Despite changes in formal engagement, personal spiritual convictions remain strong for many.

A Changing Country: Race, Ethnicity & Faith

American Christianity is becoming more racially and ethnically diverse. There’s a declining proportion of non-Hispanic White Christians and a growing share of Hispanic Christians, significantly reshaping denominations like the Catholic Church.

In 2023-24, 61% of U.S. Christians were non-Hispanic White (down from 70% in 2007), while 18% were Hispanic (up from 13% in 2007). Among U.S. Catholics, 36% are Hispanic, a substantial increase.

Faith & The Public Square: Political Intersections

Religious identity is increasingly intertwined with political affiliation. Ideologies like Christian nationalism have gained attention, and different religious groups show distinct partisan leanings.

This “religious sorting” contributes to a “God gap” between political parties, with liberals increasingly identifying as religiously unaffiliated.

Reasons for Change: Why People Step Away

Understanding why some Americans, especially youth, move away from organized religion is crucial. Key reasons include skepticism, dissatisfaction with religious organizations, and a perceived lack of need for religion.

Source: Pew Research Center (2024 data on “nones”)

These factors highlight challenges for religious institutions regarding credibility, community, and relevance in a changing cultural landscape.