Religion in the United States is in a slump. Since 1990, the share of Americans who reject any religious affiliation has climbed sharply, from 8 percent to more than 22 percent. Among younger Americans, the trend is especially pronounced. According to the Public Religion Research Institute, 38 percent of Americans under 30 describe themselves as having no religious identity.
If present trends continue, these "nones" will outnumber Catholics by 2020, and will be more numerous than Protestants by 2035.
Of course, present trends may not continue. There have been at least three "Great Awakenings" — periods of religious revival — in American history. Maybe another such awakening will materialize. For now, however, there is no doubt that the United States is becoming less religious. As the Pew Research Center has documented, fewer Americans believe in God, pray regularly, or consider religion very important in their lives.
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