a religious divide (and lack thereof) has been seen between white liberals and evangelical conservatives

despite what philosophers of the late 19th century believed as modern technology and science took over america, a huge wave of people dove into organized religion (mainly christian groups)

→ but as time went on (1990s-early 2000s) "non-affiliates" became more and more common

BIG Q- what caused such a huge jump in the 1990s?

1. the association of the republican party with christianity

   1. GOP needed way to create a platform, and white christians who were upset over things like interracial dating, roe v wade, sex revolution... quickly

2. end of cold war

   1. during the cold war, the ussr's athiest beliefs strongly influenced many americans to practice religion. as the war ended and the term athiest wasn't directly associated with the ussr, more people felt comfortable being associated with atheism

3. 9/11

   1. many saw organized religion after al qaeda's attack a sign that all religions were inherently evil and destructive. while the twin towers falling alone wasn't the cause to leave the church for many, but the connection between organized religion and power

   contrary to philosophers belief that science would ruin religion, politics caused the true fall (in terms of white liberals and evangelical conservatives)

   → lost public trust in terms of failure, but organized religion has lost trust on moral ground

   many young people are continuing to turn against religion as they grew up and continue to see conservatives entangle religious views into politics.

   → both sides see eachother as destroying the country.

   with all the seeming cons, religion offers a source of relief, relationships and relaxation to step out from the struggles of the world around them.

   as we have learned in class, religion is much more than simply going to church or praying. it's a lifestyle, a belief system, a purpose and a way of life. while many are stepping away from organized religion, other outlets are being used to find that sort of fulfillment in life. whether it be individualized spiritual practices, nature or everyday things that bring us routine and a sense of calmness fulfill the same sense of "letting go" that religion gives others.