America is a nation known for its freedom of religion. Our Constitution clearly states that citizens are permitted to affiliate themselves with any belief. Yet in a country where we can believe in any faith, many people choose to be unaffiliated with religion. Today, religion is waning in America. Twenty percent of Americans say they have no affiliation with religion compared to three percent in the 1950’s. The reasons for this sudden drop of religious interest are woven through the American ways and lifestyles. A key factor of religion is dedication. There is just one problem: Americans are too busy. We are preoccupied with sports, homework, jobs, and family. With all these things to do, we cannot seem to find the time for religion. Our wealth is another reason why religion is waning. We do not depend on religion to keep us going. Our money and material objects do that for us. Yet, the belief that religion is just for those who struggle is not accurate. Yes, religion helps soothe those in pain, but it also establishes morality and character. Religion is also a risk. It has elements of uncertainty. People have a difficult time believing in something that doesn’t have concrete evidence. My view is that if one doesn’t believe in religion, then one has everything to lose, but if one has faith, then one has everything to gain. I conducted a survey to see what the youth at my school thought about religion. Although the majority of participants were religious and attended weekly services, the reasons why the others did not are the following: too busy, they don’t feel passionate about religion, they don’t think they should be told when to worship, or their parents don’t take them. In my survey, the following were suggestions participants provided that would increase attendance of church: better music, getting members more involved, and more emphasis on tangibly helping others. However, 90 percent still stated that religion is important in one’s life. This shows that it isn’t the beliefs that drive the youth away; it is how we celebrate the beliefs that don’t hold their interest. The bottom line is that religion is not as popular in America as it use to be. We need to make changes. First, Americans need to make time for religion. Second, we need to accept the idea that without something to guide us, we will always be lost. Lastly, we need to listen to the youth in our churches. America, it is time take advantage of what our founding fathers fought for! Let’s take a leap of faith. Lindsay Ryan is a freshman at Judge Memorial Catholic School.
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