A new survey released by LifeWay Christian Reources – an arm of the Southern Baptist Convention—shows that 72 percent of Christian Millenials (18 to 29-year olds) are more spiritual than religious. They are becoming more secular.

USA Today reported on the survey and quoted the research group’s president, Thom Rainer, saying “the Millennial generation will see churches closing as quickly as GM dealerships,

Most young adults today don’t pray, don’t worship and don’t read the Bible, a major survey by a Christian research firm shows. Among the startling data:

•65% rarely or never pray with others;

•and 65% rarely or never attend worship services

This is consistent with the premise of Robert Putnam’s 1995 the book, “Bowling Alone,” which showed that the Millenials are not joining organizations as their parents did. And this is eerily similar to what’s been happening in Judaism for a while as well.

May things are driving this behavior and I can’t help but think that religious scandals in the Roman Catholic Church and elsewhere can’t be helping.

What do you think is causing this trend in America?

why should any of this surprise you? Note the attack by the Tea-Baggers, libertarians and others upon ALL THINGS PUBLIC. Think of it as (American) capitalist individualism on steroids: every person his/her own Master/Mistress of the Universe, maximizing his/her own self-interest and letting others be damned- a la what went on on Wall Street, at AIG, etc. 
  In 21th century America, “obligation” and “community” have become four-letter words: if something isn’t voluntary, then it is worthless- just the opposite of the rabbinic view, that(s)he who obeys a commandment out of duty is more praiseworthy than one who does so because (s)he wishes to.
  Ordinarily, I would consider submitting these sagacious comments to the TIMES as a letter to the editor, but I can’t, because the vindictive jerk - make that jerk, Ph.D-  who is currently serving as editor has officially banned me from this publication.