None of the Above
The End of Christian America?
Just before the Easter holiday in 2009 (April 3, 2009), Newsweek featured an article written by
Jon Meacham. The article, titled “The End of Christian America,” noted an
intriguing and important statistic: the number of Americans claiming no
religious affiliation had doubled from 8 percent in 1990 to 15 percent in 2009.
Did this represent an important trend? What was it telling us about faith,
religiosity, and spirituality in America?
Here’s the link to the article as reproduced by The Daily Beast:
Regarding this trend, Meacham quoted the leader of the
Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, who noted:
“A remarkable culture-shift has taken place around us. The
most basic contours of American culture have been radically altered. The
so-called Judeo-Christian consensus of the last millennium has given way to a
post-modern, post-Christian, post-Western cultural crisis which threatens the
very heart of our culture.”
Meacham presents us with some interesting facts to consider:
[According to the Newsweek poll] “…fewer people now think
of the United States as a ‘Christian nation’ than did so when George W. Bush
was president (62 percent in 2009 versus 69 percent in 2008). Two thirds of the
public (68 percent) now say religion is ‘losing influence’ in American society,
while just 19 percent say religion's influence is on the rise. The proportion of
Americans who think religion ‘can answer all or most of today's problems’ is
now at a historic low of 48 percent. During the Bush 43 and Clinton years, that
figure never dropped below 58 percent.”
I want you to reflect on this
information. What do you think it means? How did we reach this point? Is it good
or bad, or does it merely reflect the changing demographics of our society and
culture? What role have the media played in shaping this change?
The Pew Forum Poll
A more recent study published by the Pew Forum on Religion
and Public Life produced similar findings. The study reported that the growing
numbers of adults in the US are no longer affiliated with a particular
religion—they select “none of the above” when asked to indicate religious
affiliation. The greatest percentage of “nones” are among those under the age
of 30—nearly a third of adults under 30 are religiously unaffiliated. In this
class, we will explore how this has come about. We will examine the role of the
mass media in creating a growing secular nation.
For some general background, I have given you some links to
check out.
A summary website for the study:
A pdf file of the entire study:
Links to a full PBS documentary based on the study from the
Religion and Ethics Newsweekly website. The links can be found near the upper
right hand corner under the subheading, “Miniseries”:
In her informative book, “Christianity After Religion,” Diana
Butler Bass (2012) describes the historical shifts, or what has been called
“awakenings,” in US history:
The First Great
Awakening (1730-60) marked the end of European style church organizations
and a more experimental, democratic faith characterized by evangelicalism.
The Second Great
Awakening (1800-1830) ended Calvinist theological dominance and initiated a
new understanding of free will, based on voluntary participation and benevolent
living.
Third Great Awakening
(1890-1920) emphasized two things: the social gospel movement and progressive
politics and the Pentecostal movement with an interest in the miraculous as a
manifestation of faith. Mission work, caring for the oppressed.
Both second and third reflected a move toward communal
religion and social order.
Bass notes that according to religious historian and
philosopher William McLoughlin, we began a Fourth
Great Awakening in the 1960s, transforming into a post-modern version of
Christianity specifically and religion in general.
According to McLoughlin we have seen a shift in how we
believe (how we conceptualize God, how we understand religious teachings, and
how we characterize right and wrong).
Here are some shifting beliefs as discussed by Bass and
McLoughlin:
o
God as a stern father is going away and is being
replaced by a multifaceted divinity open to invention and interpretation
(non-dogmatic and diverse).
o
Fewer Americans believe in Hell, and very few
believe their neighbors will go there.
o
70% believe that many religions can lead to
eternal life.
o
Bass: The American God is far less interested,
evidently, in theological purity and punishment than in inclusive acceptance.
o
In 1960, 90% of Americans considered the Bible
to be sacred; currently only 67 percent
between 18-25 do.
o
Actual Church attendance has fallen by half
since 1960.
Being Religious vs. Being Spiritual
One of the more interesting discussions in the Bass book is
the explanation of how “religious” and “spirituality” have come to mean
different things in a post-modernistic America. Here is an excerpt from her
book:
"For much of Western history, the words 'religious' and
'spiritual' meant roughly the same thing, how human beings related to or
connected with God in rites, rituals, practices, and communal worship. People
did not generally separate the two terms. Historian Robert Fuller points out,
however, the popular definitions of the words diverged throughout the twentieth
century: 'The word spiritual gradually
came to be associated with the private realm of thought and experience, while
the word religious came
to be connected with the public realm of membership in religious institutions,
participation in formal ritual, and adherence to official denominational
doctrines.' Not only did the words come to signify different aspects of faith
by the early twenty-first century, but the terms 'spiritual' and 'religious'
have become laden with emotional connotations. In general, 'spirituality' is
taken as a positive term, whereas 'religion' is often negative; spirituality is
understood as somehow more authentic, religion as having 'a somewhat cynical
orientation.'
She continues:
"The language of 'spirituality' is certainly different from
the language for God and faith that many Christians used as children (or the
language their parents used). Because it is a new language, it fosters
misunderstanding. Religious people sometimes dismiss 'spirituality' as vacuous
or vague, too closely related to 'spiritualism' (the practice of communicating
with the dead), Wicca, or some other New Age faith. Others tag spirituality as
consumerist or individualistic, lacking intellectual content or any sense of
commitment, a fad, 'Oprah religion.'
"But spirituality is neither vague nor meaningless. Despite a
certain linguistic fuzziness, the word 'spiritual' is both a critique of institutional
religion and a longing for meaningful connection. In a wide variety of guises
and forms, spirituality represents an important stage of awakening: the search
for new gods. As the old gods (and the institutions that preached, preserved,
and protected the old gods) lose credibility, people begin to cast about for
new gods — and new stories, new paths, and new understandings to make sense of
their new realities. In the process, the old language fails, and people reach
for new words to describe the terrain of their experience. 'Spirituality' is
one such word, an ancient word, to be sure, but a word that is taking on fresh
dimensions of meaning in a fluid and pluralistic religious context. To say that
one is 'spiritual but not religious' or 'spiritual and religious' is often a
way of saying, 'I am dissatisfied with the way things are, and I want to find a
new way of connecting with God, my neighbor, and my own life.' It might not be
a thoughtless mantra at all — in many cases, it may well be a considered
commentary on religious institutions, doctrine, and piety."
Our Blog For Today
Please make sure that you have read “None of the Above” and
spent some time exploring the links that I have included. Next, watch the
following report from CBS Sunday Morning:
http://www.cbsnews.com/video/watch/?id=50137205n.
Now, I would like you to share your thoughts regarding this
clip and what you think it tells us about religion in the US, particularly in
light of what you have read for today. Next, respond to the questions in the
readings and, in particular, to the quote regarding religion and spirituality
from the Bass book. What role do you
think the media have played in the rise of the “nones”?
This week’s assignment has been very thought provoking for me. As I mentioned in class, I have had a lot of exposure to people who claim to be “spiritual and not religious” from serving my mission in Vancouver, Canada—a very liberal area of the world. Just like some of the people discussed and shown in the video clip from CBS News, I have met many who appose religion because of the strict guidelines on moral issues such as abortion and gay marriage. I also have many friends who struggle with certain religions because of their requirements and rules or even “bureaucracies” as mentioned in the video clip. These people who claim to be “spiritual” have often been effected by the way the media has portrayed religious people as even being controlling or unaccepting of anyone who does not share their same specific beliefs. I have seen that young people often prefer the “lunch room” approach to religion. They seem to want the opportunity to pick and choose what pieces of religious belief they want; thereby creating their own identity instead of letting religion, as seen through the lens media creates for those religions, create their identity for them.
ReplyDeleteSomething else I noticed in doing the reading and in pondering on the increase of “nones” in American society is how the media can bring religion to the fingertips of anyone with a smartphone or computer. The internet makes it easy to research any religion at one’s leisure instead of relying on a local minister or religious group to do the teaching.
This doesn’t’ mean that all the “non-religious” people are immoral and want to break all types of “religious” codes. As addressed in the video clip, many—if not all—people seek for peace and human kindness. These people still desire spirituality and a belief in some type of indefinable deity and so they often define themselves as spiritual.
Ultimately I feel that the difference between being “spiritual” and “religious” stems from one’s willingness to commit fully to an identity which is defined by another source besides themselves. Those who commit to a religion commit to ALL the tenants of that faith. And those who choose spirituality can get by picking and choosing what they want to be. As addressed in many of the links and the video clip provided, this ability to choose and ultimately create an identity is flagrant amongst the younger generation. These millenials often seem to crave the creation of their own path rather than sliding into the ruts of their older predecessors.
It was interesting to read these studies and opinions for me because it hits close to home. Many people close to me, including my mom, would consider themselves to be one of the "Nones." To me, the fact that more and more people are choosing to be a "None" rather than choosing a specific belief or religion means that more and more people are becoming dissatisfied with organized religion. I believe that society has reached this point largely because of something the video said, and something I agree with. And by agree, I mean I can see why people would think this way. Often times, organized religion seems unable or unwilling to adapt to a quickly changing world.
ReplyDeleteIs it good or bad? That depends. In my experience with people close to me, it has actually been a really good thing. The reason a few people in my family became "Nones" is because they were unhappy with some of the teachings/rules of the church. And not just the Mormon church, I have family that belongs to the Catholic church as well. They often felt restricted or judged by some of their fellow members. And while it seemed, at first, a little sad that they decided not to affiliate with their organized religion, they still had that respect and love for their spiritual side.
For as long as I can remember, I had already heard the phrase "I'm not religious, but I'm very spiritual," over and over again by my direct family, so that was normal for me growing up. So, with that bias, I don't think it's particularly a bad thing.
As far as the way media effects these changes in our world, I think it is 100% because of media influence that people are choosing not to affiliate with organized religion. People see on TV, online, on the radio, etc. the good and the bad that religious leaders and members are doing all the time. It has a huge effect on what people think and do. With big scandals, like in the Catholic church or big controversies, like the LGBTQ issues within the LDS church, it turns people away from the appeal of being affiliated with those groups. Before, when information and stories like these weren't as easily accessed, people weren't exposed to the negative coverage. They also weren't exposed to other options like they are now. People grew up and were raised in a certain culture and that was all they knew, now their are endless choices we are exposed to everyday.
All in all, I think that being a "none" allows people to be exactly what they want to be without restriction. There is no obligation to follow certain rules or commandments and no affiliation with a group that can be thought of in a negative way by some. It was interesting to me that less and less people believe in Hell now. I feel that being a "none" allows people to think that way. There are no restrictions or limitations, no obligation to be or not be a certain kind of person and still able to happily feel spiritual in their own way.
On another note, I also feel like millennials are a lot more liberal and tolerant of people's differences and differing opinions than people used to be.
I think that with the increase of the internet and the modernization of the world has played a big role in the rise of the “nones”. Today more than ever in the history of humanity we are connected to everyone and everything going on in the world. We are exposed to more mindsets and different types of lifestyles than past generations ever were. With that times are changing, fast, from a more traditional mindset that defined the past. In the past, we as a human race have never been so in contact with people all over the world. In general we were only exposed to like-minded people, people who tended to have or hold similar beliefs and religions. Now a days we are exposed to all kinds of people, from all over the world, and of different religions and lifestyles. In way I think this has opened up our perceptions of others, teaching us that everyone has their own circumstances in life. I also wouldn’t say that this is a trend unique to the US, but everywhere around the world.
ReplyDeleteI also think that another factor in the rise of the “nones” is the decrease in the idea of a vengeful and wrathful God in religion and instead an increase of the idea of a loving and forgiving God. In the past Christian religion has depicted a very judgmental and rules are rules kind of God, going for more of a “healthy” fear of God to encourage obedience in followers. However, today I think that people are a lot more accepting and open to a loving and forgiving God who cares about each of us and understands our trials. I know that many of my friends are more open to the idea of following a God because they want to be a good person rather than to just blindly follow out of fear.
I also think that a lot of churches get a bad reputation for being closed minded and protesting different functions saying things like “you’ll go to hell if you’re this way or do this thing”. People are turned off by that type of behavior, especially in today’s society.
The media feeds what the people want. You can’t have one without the other—the media and the people shape our society. In a time were religious conformity has decreased, the media has sped up this process by encouraging and supporting the public on their negative religious views. As media has done this, it has made it easier for people to choose (and feel comfortable/being in the social norm) new religious/ spiritual routes. But there’s a problem with that, I think. In particular, one quote stuck out to me in the reading. It said, “As the old gods (and the institutions that preached, preserved, and protected the old gods) lose credibility, people begin to cast about for new gods — and new stories, new paths, and new understandings to make sense of their new realities.” Instead of working through something (much like modern day marriages) it has become easier to just find a new path, instead of working out your belief. New stories and paths help us support and justify our actions.
ReplyDeleteThe issue comes when our actions and being justified by an incorrect standard/measurement. I’d rather God dictate the 10 commandments than man, just like I’d like a certified judge rule over a criminal case rather than a high school student. Once we start to take religious and structure out, there isn’t much to follow. From that, people become disconnected rather than more connected with nature/others (which is what they wanted in the first place). I’m one to believe that you can’t separate the spiritual with religious institutions. Without religious, you can’t fully comment to the spiritual, I think. Overall, those are my thoughts on the rising of the nones in this age.
The CBS video referred to the idea that while spirituality may seem to be increasing, religiosity has taken big cuts in attendance and membership. The part that made the biggest impact on me, but that also rang true, was the comparison between the two generations right now, in their views on religion. As part of that generation that has in large part voted "none" in affiliated religion, I have noticed a few reasons this may have come about.
ReplyDeleteFirst, with the rise of televangilism and fraud that was evident in that in the previous generation, this millenial generation has grown to distrust religion, associating fraud and deceit with all organized religion. In this way media has definitely impacted none's views on religion. ”. Many years ago, this whole concept of being spiritual without practiced religion may not have even existed. But through historical patterns, we see a huge correlating tie between media and it’s impact on religious thought. Today we see that impact through the ideology of the “Nones.”
This ideology consists of what Bass talked about in his book, “Christianity After Religion” – that there is a distinct difference “between being ‘religious’ and being ‘spiritual’ in today’s vernacular.” As part of this generation that has experienced the religious fraud viewed in the media, I too, have noticed a strong difference between these two words among my peers.
To be “spiritual” entails a sense of connection with “god” or the universe, that can be found a lot in nature (in the mountains, hiking, climbing), or through meditation or any other INDIVIDUAL method.
To be “religious” in today’s world means being part of “the system.” It means group-think, fraud, rules, and forced behaviors. These behaviors, in the minds of the “nones” often seem hypocritical, as a cognitive dissonance arises between what they see on television, and what they hear a “religious” person preach or say.
Many variables have created this mindset in today’s world of spirituality vs. religion. One of them that I believe has had a large influence is the way technology has changed our ability to communicate and connect. Take cell phones, for example. In today’s world, we no longer have to be present with someone (face to face) in real life, to connect or talk with them. We can talk through satellite connection, and a mediator. In my opinion, this ease of communication has given us a huge sense of entitlement on how we should be able to connect. And in this case, connect with God. “If I can connect with someone in Argentina just by sitting on my couch and calling, why would I need to GO to a church to connect with God? Can’t I connect with Him on my own time and in my own way, without having to be somewhere or bogged down by other people’s opinions?” is what a “None” might say.
It is quite evident in my opinion, that the rise of technology and increase of media usage has definitely had a lasting impact on how “Nones” and their ideology are growing so rapidly.