Since the late 1980s, polls have consistently shown that most Americans think religion’s influence on American life is waning. The only exception to this pattern was in the aftermath of the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks, when Americans overwhelmingly felt that religion’s influence was on the rise. Today, roughly six-in-ten (59%) say religion is losing influence on American life, while 34% say it is gaining influence. Americans favor more, not less, religion in the country. Fully 79% of those who say that religion’s role is declining — 50% of the public overall — believe this is a bad thing. Read More