Are Americans getting less religious? w/ Dr. Melissa Deckman | S02E03 | Political Reality
Summary
Hosts Steve and Andrea discuss their personal religious upbringings before interviewing Melissa Deckman, CEO of the Public Religion Research Institute. Deckman analyzes trends in American religiosity, noting a rise in the religiously unaffiliated, particularly among young women. She details her research on Christian nationalism, revealing that while most Americans support religious pluralism, a significant minority adheres to nationalist ideologies. The conversation also covers how religion intersects with politics, abortion views, and party sorting.
Topics discussed
Hosts discuss their personal religious upbringings and evolution
Introduction of Melissa Connor and PRRI's mission
Defining religion and survey methodology challenges
Polling strategies: Random panels vs. opt-in surveys
Rise of the religiously unaffiliated 'Nones' in America
Trends among young women and the impact of abortion rights
Religious views on abortion, LGBTQ+ issues, and pluralism
Defining and measuring Christian nationalism
Demographic shifts driving Christian nationalist intensity
Christian nationalism as a threat to democracy and science
Advice for listeners and evaluating data sources
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