2 of 23

Write now Article Tools

Christianity is the "leading" religion in America because it has the most followers. I know, I know. I'm stating the obvious. But, the interesting thing is that they're actually losing ground. Other faiths are growing faster than Christianity and some of the more fundamentalist Christians are noticing it and are doing their best to reverse this trend.

Some of the reasons that Christianity is the most populous religion in the US can be attributed to a few factors:

1. Although, our nation was not founded as a "Christian Nation", a majority of the settlers were from some denomination of Christianity. Those that weren't were usually shunned, ostracized, or in some cases burned alive. There's nothing like ethnic cleansing to help keep your numbers higher.

2. Americans have short attention spans and like quick fix solutions. When a faith tells you that all you have to do to gain salvation is to give yourself to heart, mind, body, and soul (and vote and sizable cash donation) to a church and accept Christ as your personal savior, it's nice and simple. Not much effort required. Americans like that. It's the perfect faith for the weak-willed and the lazy. Now, I know that's a gross generalization and I know quite a few really bright Christians - but, they're a minority.

3. Christians (including Catholics - you worship the same God and the same resurrected son of said God) tend to have larger families. Statistics show that Catholic families tend to be the largest of any other faiths (Mexico City has the highest population of any city on the planet!). Children born into these families are raised Christian and tend to breed more children to do the same.

Now, for the reasons that Christianity's numbers are actually DROPPING:

1. People are realizing that there are other faiths to choose from. Kids that were raised Christian are growing up and reading up on other faiths. They find another one that suits them and convert. For fun look up how the numbers of Muslims, Buddhists, and Wiccans are growing in America. They're percentage growth is actually a lot higher than Christianity's.

2. Some people are giving up on the concept of religion altogether. Seeing how prominent Christian leaders are trying to stamp out science because it contradicts their faith has driven many a Christian to Atheism. And, to make matters worse a lot of these same prominent Christians are trying to make it look like Atheists are trying to "steal their flock".

3. Christianity just isn't "cool" enough any more. Kids like hip and trendy things. Christians have a bad tendency to appear as "stiff and stodgy" when depicted on Tv and in the movies. Programs like "Veggietales" aren't cutting it. Kids know when they're being talked down to. They're a lot brighter than you think - although, I do have to admit that shows like "Bibleman" are fun to watch.

Yes, Christianity is the leading religion, but it wouldn't surprise me if in a couple of generation they would be in serious danger of falling to second.

Learn more about this author, David Furritus.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

Add your voice

Know something about Why Christianity is the leading religion in America?
We want to hear your view. Write now!