Tobin Grant, political science professor at Southern Illinois University and associate editor of the Journal for the Scientific Study of Religion, recently shared a graph that illustrates what his research suggests has happened to religion in America over the last 60 years. Grant terms this period “The Great Decline,” due to the significant decline in religiosity.
The Graph
The graph is based on the results of Grant’s analysis of existing data sets. More specifically:
We start with information from rigorous, scientific surveys on worship service attendance, membership in congregations, prayer, and feelings toward religion. We then use a computer algorithm to track over 400 survey results over the past 60 years. The result is one measure that charts changes to religiosity through the years.
So What?
Grant’s claim is eye opening, and warrants further consideration by religious leaders. I look forward to reading the academic article on which this piece is based to better understand how he weights various elements considered in his algorithm.
For now, we must take seriously Grant’s claim not only that the decline is significant and ongoing, but also that it is accelerating: “Over the past fifteen years, the drop in religiosity has been twice as great as the decline of the 1960s and 1970s.”
- What is your initial reaction to labeling the last 60 years as “The Great Decline?” to the possibility that the decline has accelerated significantly over the last 15 years?
- How has your congregation responded to the shifts in religious belief, belonging and behavior over the last few decades? Do you feel these changes have been positively correlated with increased participation by those in your community who would otherwise be less engaged in religious matters?