10. Secularisation in the USA

• Spiritual supermarket


  The ability to combine multiple elements of belief
• What did Lynd & Lynd find about the erosion of absolutism?

  -In 1924, 94% of churchgoing young people agreed that Christianity is the one true religion

  -In 1977, only 41% of people agreed
• How has American religion remained popular?

  By becoming less religious & fitting in with a secular society
• Secularisation from within (Bruce)


  American religion has adjusted to the modern world

  Became 'watered-down
• What did Bruce say about why people over exaggerate how much they go to church?


  It's still seen as socially desirable & helps your reputation to go to church
• What did Hadaway et Al find about Church attendance?


  'Church attendance' on polls didn't match the church's statistics

  People over exaggerated how much they go to church
• What 3 reasons did Bruce say America is becoming increasingly secular?

  Declining church attendance

  Secularisation from within

  Religious diversity
• How has religion become superficial? (Example)

  Celebrating Christmas but not the religious aspect
• Why did they go to church?

  To follow the 'American way of life', not because they had strong religious beliefs
• What did Wilson find about church attendance in 1962?


  45% of Americans attended church on Sundays