22 Jan 2026
1h 0m

No, Young Men Are Not Returning to Church

Podcast cover

Interesting Times with Ross Douthat

American religion's current state and potential future are examined, questioning claims of religious revival. Ryan Burge, a minister and data analyst, provides insights, noting the rise of the "nones"—those with no religious affiliation—which has plateaued at around 30% of the population. Despite commentary suggesting America is getting less religious, data indicates a period of stasis rather than a reversal. The discussion explores gender and class dynamics, with educated, upper-middle-class individuals being more likely to attend church. While non-Christian spiritual practices gain visibility, data suggests they aren't replacing traditional religion. The decline of mainline Protestantism is attributed to its success in normalizing its values, and the growth of non-denominational churches is linked to emotionalism and charismatic worship.

Outlines

Part 1: Secularization, Trends, and Demographics

Part 2: Social Class and Spiritual Alternatives

Part 3: Institutional Shifts and Political Polarization

Part 4: The New Landscape and Future Outlook

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