Between 1972 and 1991 (19 years), the % of Americans who had no religious affiliation rose 1.2%. Over the next 19 yrs, it increased by 11.6 pts. Today, ~30% of Americans are non-religious. In 1972, it was 5%. To me, this represents the largest cultural shift of my lifetime.
Lots more discussion about this here. Along with three other graphs that I think are incredibly important in understanding the current state of American religion. graphsaboutreligion.com/p/four-of-the-…
@ryanburge Have you tracked some of these stats by publicity of revelations of major sexual abuse scandals, Ryan? They've affected so many religions, and I would be surprised if that loss of trust is not driving some of the suddenness of this spike.
@ryanburge Are they non-religious or just without a religious affiliation?
@ryanburge What's the best theory for why 1991 is the turning point? End of the Cold War? Rise of the internet (too early, probably)?
@ryanburge @matthewstoller Best thing that could happen
@ryanburge @matthewstoller This is a specific outcome noted in the book, The Fourth Turning, and America's 7th time we've gone through this. @HoweGeneration huge 🥜
@ryanburge Yes, its a massively positive cultural shift. Those people weren't Christians to begin with. They just used that label because it was convenient and it made their lives easier. Now there's actually a chance to present them with the true gospel.