While I often hear people state as fact the idea that the United States is a land of considerable religious diversity, it is important to note that such claims are simply untrue. According to a new Pew Research Center study, the United States is nowhere near making the list as one of the world’s most diverse countries or territories (we ranked #68).
So What?
Just how diverse are we? The research shows that only 1 out of every 20 people living in America is an adherent to a religion other than Christianity. More specifically, “95% of the U.S. population is either Christian or religiously unaffiliated, while all other religions combined account for just 5% of Americans.” Considered differently, the only significant religious diversity in America is found within Christianity.
- In your personal and professional networks do you think there is more religious diversity than the national as a whole (1 in 20 practicing a religion that isn’t Christianity), less diversity or about the same?
- What education events or enrichment opportunities have been provided by your local congregation in recent years focused on religious diversity? What types of events would you be interested in attending in the future?