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The Secularization of Christianity

For decades now, it has been commonly assumed the more a person is educated, the less religious they claim to be. While surveys reveal this assumption is largely true, the pattern does not follow for one particular group: Christians.

Overall, there is a strong correlation between U.S. adults with higher levels of education and lower religious affiliation. However, 71 percent of American adults associate with the Christian faith, and among Christians, individuals with higher levels of education practice their faith similarly to those with less education.

An analysis conducted by the Pew Research Center on America’s changing religious landscape involved more than 35,000 Americans contacted through a random phone-dialing method. The analysis unveiled even more interesting facts concerning the relationship between higher education and religiosity.

The analysis divided the U.S. adults surveyed into three general categories of educational history: those with a college degree, those with some college and those with only a high school diploma or less. Each individual was asked a series of questions relating to their religious affiliation.

Not surprisingly, two-thirds of the lowest educational category claimed religion was very important in their lives––66 percent compared to the only 46 percent of those with the highest levels of education.

Yet, the numbers shift dramatically for individuals with a strictly Christian religious affiliation. Whereas the majority of highly educated individuals surveyed confirm the notion “more education equals less religion,” for Christians, it is actually the opposite.

Among those surveyed who were college graduates and identified as Evangelical Protestants, 68 percent attend religious services weekly, 83 percent pray daily, 81 percent said religion is very important and 90 percent believe in God with absolute certainty, averaging an overall religious commitment of 87 percent.

For other faiths, the results were not as positive.

Studies involving other religious backgrounds, including Judaism and Islam, reveal those with more education are far less likely to have religious ties as strong as those with less education.

In our 21st century world of postmodernism, these recent studies are staggering. Why, among all other religions, does Christianity break the pattern of higher education and less religion?

Even the Pew researchers said they have no idea: “There could be many possible reasons for these patterns, though such explanations are outside the scope of this report.”

The results contradict the new “secularization theory” of society, claiming education itself is solely responsible for a decline in religious beliefs and practices.

Looking around at this nation, there is clear evidence of postmodernism: crosses are removed from city seals, teachers in public schools are forbidden from wearing T-shirts with Bible verses, the tradition of a prayer over a hushed football stadium is slowly creeping out of style. Christianity definitely does not seem to be growing. It looks, more now than ever, as if its very essence is fading.

These thoughts lead to a terrifying question––what if Christianity is, itself, becoming secularized?

I believe the Pew Research Center’s findings, and I can see how the correlation between higher education and faith is positive.

And that is what scares me.

More and more, Christianity becomes dulled in the monotonous rumble of what is “acceptable” in modern society. Megachurches, pastoral fluff and “feel-good” messages have morphed into what we call the Christian faith. This is the Christianity America so dearly loves.

But, it is not the Gospel.

As a Christian, I am thankful to see such a positive relationship between higher education and religious affiliation in people’s lives across the nation. Yet, as a Christian, I also feel a strong duty, now more than ever, to pick truth from the sweet lies people cling to concerning Christianity. It is not a “feel-good” faith. It is so much more.

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