Subtracting Christianity: Essays on American Culture and Society

Christianity, once a cornerstone of American culture and society, has been in steady decline over the past several decades. This trend is reflected in decreasing church attendance, increasing religious disaffiliation, and a growing number of Americans who identify as non-religious. The essays in this collection explore the reasons for this decline and its implications for American culture and society.

The Causes of Christian Decline

The essays in this section examine various factors contributing to the decline of Christianity in America. These include:

Subtracting Christianity: Essays on American Culture and Society

by Swami Vivekananda

4.5 out of 5

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• Secularization: The process of societal change in which religious beliefs and practices lose their influence on public life.
• Individualization: The increasing emphasis on personal freedom and autonomy, leading to a decrease in the importance of communal religious affiliation.
• Scientific progress: The advancements in science and technology have eroded traditional beliefs about the supernatural and the need for religious explanations.
• Political polarization: The increasing divide between the religious right and the secular left has alienated many Americans from organized religion.
• Moral relativism: The growing acceptance of diverse moral perspectives has weakened the influence of traditional Christian morality.

The Tensions of Christian Decline

The decline of Christianity has created a number of tensions in American culture and society. These tensions include:

• The Tension between Religious Freedom and Religious Pluralism: The growing diversity of religious beliefs and practices in America has led to tensions between those who advocate for religious freedom and those who promote religious pluralism.
• The Tension between Church and State: The decline of Christianity has raised questions about the proper role of religion in public life.
• The Tension between Science and Faith: The advancements in science have created tensions between those who believe in the literal truth of the Bible and those who accept the scientific consensus on the age of the universe, evolution, and other scientific discoveries.
• The Tension between Traditional Values and Modern Culture: The decline of Christianity has led to a breakdown of traditional family structures and a rise in alternative lifestyles and values.

The Implications of Christian Decline

The decline of Christianity has a number of implications for American culture and society. These include:

• The Rise of Secularism: The decline of Christianity has led to a rise in secularism, or the belief that religion has no place in public life.
• The Decline of Social Cohesion: Religious communities have traditionally played an important role in providing social cohesion and support. The decline of Christianity has weakened these communities and led to a decline in social cohesion.
• The Erosion of Traditional Morality: The decline of Christianity has eroded traditional moral values and led to a rise in moral relativism.
• The Potential for Social Conflict: The tensions between religious and secular groups have the potential to lead to social conflict.

The decline of Christianity in America is a complex phenomenon with a number of causes and implications. The essays in this collection provide a valuable contribution to our understanding of this trend and its impact on American culture and society.

Subtracting Christianity: Essays on American Culture and Society

by Swami Vivekananda

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	690 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	387 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE