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Why are fewer Americans religious?

Survey findings show Protestantism and Catholicism in America have seen a great drop in identification.
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There are approximately 5.8 billion religiously affiliated people worldwide, according to the Pew Research Center's Forum on Religion & Public Life.

In the U.S., Gallup data suggests three in four Americans identify with a religious faith. But those numbers are dropping.

The 2020 Gallup numbers found less than half of Americans belong to a church, mosque or synagogue—a low-point since Gallup began asking the question over 80 years ago and a shift that researchers believe is widespread. 

Survey findings show Protestantism and Catholicism in America have seen a great drop in identification. 

Pew Research polling shows under 1 in 5 Americans identify as Catholic, a 3% decline since 2009.  It’s not that these Americans are turning to other religions. They’re turning away from it all together. 

Experts call this growing group religious ‘nones’ — which are made up of atheists, agnostics, and those with no specific organized religion. 

America’s belief in God has dropped 6% since 2017 to a new low of 81%, according to Gallup. 

Gallup polls show 66% of adults born before 1946 are still members of a religious organization. That number drops to 58% for Baby Boomers, 50% for Gen X, and just 36% for Millenials.

 

This story was originally published by Amber Strong and Maya Saenz on Newsy.com.