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Handwaving about the Nones?

 Tis true that Christianity, in both fundagelical and more liberal versions within Protestantism (and parallels within Catholicism) in the United States has shown itself more resilient than might be expected, but Joseph Slaughter and others, in this CNN piece, appear to be engaging in handwaving.

As for the "browning" of America saving Christianity? Perhaps (and it's true about Latino evangelical Protestants) but, it won't be the same as White fundagelical Christianity. Latino and Korean immigrants don't have the same take on issues like guns as do White Conservative Christians. And, to the degree that at least some of those White conservative Christians are anti-immigrant, conservative Christianity will fracture more. White Christian nationalism is indeed referenced in the piece.

Citing recent SCOTUS rulings is a mug's game. Other than Barrett, the wingnut justices are all older. And, fundagelicals are indeed losing steam among younger White voters. 

In addition, while Latinos and sub-Saharan Africans may be fundagelical Christians, along with South Koreans? Indians, Chinese and other immigrants most certainly are not. That "browning" is itself not monolithic.

As for Nones and spirituality? I know that. But, spirituality doesn't translate into support for Christianity as an organized religion, especially if "tax the churches" gets more support. Beyond that, Hans Gustafson, by melding the two metaphysically, is engaged in an Overton Window play.

As for a churchgoing rebound recently? Yes, I blogged about that myself. It's most likely COVID-related and will thus fade again.

And, trumping that resurgence? Gallup reported last year that belief in a god had plunged. That's metaphysics, not "organized religion."

Christianity won't be extinguished. But, slowly and unevenly, its political and societal influences will both fade.



This post first appeared on The Philosophy Of The Socratic Gadfly, please read the originial post: here

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Handwaving about the Nones?

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