The Vanishing Church and Why It’s Hurting American Democracy with Ryan Burge

The Rise of the “Nones” and the Politics Driving People Out of Church

In this episode of the Good Faith Podcast, Ryan Burge joins Curtis Chang to explore The Vanishing Church and the decline of moderate American congregations, using hard data and his lived experience as a longtime pastor, political scientist, and statistician. Ryan and Curtis explore how evangelicals, mainline Protestants, Catholics, and the religious “nones” are changing—and what that means for polarization, social cohesion, and democracy in America. Burge offers a practical challenge for the lonely or spiritually curious—show up to church even if you don’t believe—and makes a case for gratitude and community in an anxious age.

06:25 – Evangelicals: Political Shift and Homogeneity

13:59 – Mainline Protestants: Decline and Diversity

19:06 – Aging and Future of Mainline Churches

23:05 – American Catholics: Stability and Rightward Shift

28:31 – Priest Shortages and Cultural Challenges

30:36 – The Rise of the Nones

31:25 – Political Drivers of Religious Disaffiliation

40:17 – Polarization: Politics and Economics

47:54 – Addressing Polarization: Individual Responsibility

50:23 – Advice for Pastors: Preaching Beyond Politics

52:31 – Signs of Hope and Gratitude

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Mentioned In This Episode:

• Ryan Burge’s The Vanishing Church: How the Hollowing Out of Moderate Congregations Is Hurting Democracy, Faith, and Us (Why the Culture Wars Led to Polarization and What We Can Do About It)
• Read Ephesians 3:10 (ESV)
• Read Colossians 1:16-18 (ESV)
• Danforth Center on Religion and Politics
• Ryan Burge, Michael Graham, and Jim Davis’ The Great Dechurching: Who’s Leaving, Why Are They Going, and What Will It Take to Bring Them Back?
• More about Dorothy Day

More from Ryan Burge:

• Substack: Graphs About Religion 
• Follow Ryan on X (formerly Twitter): https://x.com/ryanburge
• More about  Ryan Burge’s work

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The Good Faith Podcast is a production of a 501(c)(3) nonpartisan organization that does not engage in any political campaign activity to support or oppose any candidate for public office. Any views and opinions expressed by any guests on this program are solely those of the individuals and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of Good Faith.