Why More Americans Are Seeking Religion
5/12/202643 min
After decades of declining church attendance and a profound rise in secularism, religion is having a moment in America.
Lauren Jackson, the host of the Believing newsletter, talks to Asthaa Chaturvedi, a producer at “The Daily,” about why more people in the United States are now choosing to believe.
Guest:
- Asthaa Chaturvedi, a producer at “The Daily.”
- Lauren Jackson, the deputy editorial director for newsletters and the host of Believing.
Background reading:
- Sign up for Believing, a weekly newsletter about modern belief.
- Americans haven’t found a satisfying alternative to religion.
Photo: Cornell Watson for The New York Times
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Clips
Showing 10 of 11Transcript preview
First 90 secondsSpeaker 00:00
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Michael Barbaro· Host0:29
[gentle music] From The New York Times, I'm Michael Barbaro. This is The Daily.
Speaker 20:37
Across the country and here in South Central Pennsylvania, church leaders say they're seeing a noticeable shift.
Asthaa Chaturvedi· Host0:45
[gentle music] Gen Z is returning to faith, but in ways you might not expect.
Lauren Jackson· Guest0:51
You're seeing the largest number of converts in recent history.
Speaker 5· Soundbite0:55
Young New Yorkers have a new hotspot: Sunday mass.
Donald Trump· Soundbite1:01
We're learning that for the first time in decades, faith in this country appears to be growing.
Michael Barbaro· Host1:07
After decades of declining church attendance and a profound rise in secularism- I was like, "Can I maybe go to a church service with you just to, like, see what it's like?" Religion is having a moment in America.
Speaker 5· Soundbite1:23
I think we do start to question, like, why is this happening?
Michael Barbaro· Host1:27
Today, producer Asta Chaturvedi