How Religious Is This Nation?
Critical Analysis
Based on the data from the chart above, what percent of Americans are non-religious?
Based on the data from the chart above, identify one trend in American religion since 2007.
What is your best explanation for that trend?
In what way has that trend had the biggest impact on American politics?
The trend from the graph above is about as old as you. Based on the current trend of American religion, describe what you imagine this graph will look like in about 20 more years.
Use the data from the chart to make a claim about American religion that can be substantiated (backed up) by the data:
A student named Wolfgang looked at this data and said to his class that “America is no longer a Christian nation.” Explain whether you agree with Wolfgang.
A decade ago, self-identified Christians made up 75% of the American population. Now that number has dropped to 63%. Describe the impact religion had on the 2020 election and how it continues to impact American politics today.
How do you think demographics impact religiosity in America (see chart below*).
Around the time of the Revolutionary War only 17 percent of the total American population belonged to a church congregation. How surprising is that information?
Learning Extension
Read the Pew Report: About Three-in-Ten U.S. Adults Are Now Religiously Unaffiliated.
Action Extension
Share any of the data on American religion on social media and describe the reaction in class or online.