Second, the number of persons who have no religious affiliation has grown significantly. This is particularly true of those under 40 years of age. This lack of affiliation increases the effect of the pluralism of belief systems in the United States.

Finally however, the structure of the Christian culture has also undergone significant change. Forty years ago, religion in American culture was largely progressive, a force for tolerance, justice, and social change. Today it has become either very private, focusing almost exclusively on the peace of mind and/or salvation of the individual, or it has become a force for intolerance, social conflict, and social repression.

How is America being affected by the growth of other religions such as Buddhism, Hinduism and Islam?

The growth of non-Christian, non-Jewish religions in the United States is having a variety of effects. Some of these are very positive because Americans are forced to directly confront persons of differing cultures and belief systems. In many cases this creates a new cultural tolerance.

These "new" religions also bring perspectives and beliefs that add new dimensions and perspectives to the culture. In addition, they offer resources for the enrichment of Christianity and Judaism.

The existence of non-Christian, non-Jewish religions however, also challenges the claims of these religions. Religious faith comes to seem more arbitrary, a matter of birth, of culture, of choice, than of the acceptance of an ultimate, infallible truth. For many, such an insight can lead to a positive religious search and to the adoption of a thoughtful, mature, tolerant faith. For others, the awareness of multiple religious traditions can lead to the rejection of all religions on the grounds that all are just human creations and none are really true. For still others, however, the challenge of other religious traditions can lead to a new, militant exclusivism.

Will the various religious groups in America come together in the next 25 years or will there be more division?

Religious pluralism is having diverse effects in the United States and globally. Some persons and groups are actively engaged in interreligious dialogue. They are sharing perspectives, beliefs and practices. In many cases, the discovery of common values has led to cooperation on advocating certain social and political agendas. The Parliament of World Religions, an interfaith dialogue group, has issued a "global ethic," which it finds to be compatible with the basic values of the world’s major religious traditions.

On the other hand, many who are threatened by alternative belief systems have reacted with a new intolerance. Religious difference in the United States and globally has been a renewed source of intolerance and violence. In the United States, there has been a new wave of anti-Semitism and of anti-Muslim prejudice and violence. It is hard to predict whether the long term result in the United States will be increased tolerance and cooperation or whether there will be the imposition of some form of "Christian culture," which will be socially and politically hostile to non-Christian peoples.

Why do many churches resist change, even as their membership declines?

The mainline denominations, in particular, have resisted change despite declining memberships for a number of reasons. During the 1960’s and 1970’s when the liberal denominations were advocating social change, they offended many of their conservative members. In some cases this led to splits in denominations, loss of some members, and the loss of revenues. Threatened by such losses, the liberal Churches shifted to a personal, less social message and agenda. In the process, many young, educated, and liberal persons drifted away from the Church.

Additionally, however, change raises questions about the certainty and adequacy of one’s faith and beliefs. It causes doubt. Persons do not like doubt. They do not like to live with the awareness that their beliefs might be mistaken. Consequently, it is much less threatening to continue preaching traditional beliefs and views.

Finally, however, the advance of scientific knowledge, social movements for equal rights for women, minorities and the poor, and the use of historical critical methods to study the Bible are challenging traditional beliefs in a way that they have seldom been challenged, requiring a rethinking of the very fundamentals of the Christian faith. It is somehow easier to hang onto the past than begin such an undertaking.