The Daily – Why More Americans Are Seeking Religion
Host: Michael Barbaro (with reporting by Lauren Jackson and production by Asla Chaturvedi)
Date: May 12, 2026
Episode Overview
This episode explores a shifting trend in American religiosity: after decades of declining church attendance and a rise in secularism, new data and fresh narratives suggest a pause—or even slight reversal—in this trend. Lauren Jackson, a New York Times religion reporter, shares her personal story and insights from recent research and interviews, revealing why more Americans, especially younger adults, are seeking religion or spiritual community. The episode focuses on belief itself rather than religious politics, examining what drives people toward (or back to) organized faith.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. The Surprising Pause in American Secularization
- Historical Decline and New Data
- The “great de-churching”: From the early 1990s, Christian identification in America dropped from 90% to about two-thirds, with an estimated 40 million people leaving churches. (03:58)
- Recent years, for the first time, see the religious decline leveling off—a “huge moment” sociologically and demographically.
- Pew and Gallup data:
- 18-23 year-olds are now slightly more likely to attend religious services than those just older than them.
- Sharp increase in men under 30 finding religion “very important” (from 28% in 2023 to 42% in 2025). (04:54)
“What demographers and sociologists had said for years was going to be the definitive decline of religiosity in America—that has stopped.” — Lauren Jackson (03:08)
- Trend Is Broader Than Christianity
- These patterns are visible across major religious traditions, not just Christianity.
- “The story of faith in this country is really at an inflection point.” (06:48)
2. Personal Journeys: Lauren Jackson’s Story
- Growing Up Devout Mormon in Arkansas
- Attended daily 6am Bible study; her whole life expected to follow Church traditions.
- Decided to attend a secular university, left the Mormon church at 25—led to deep rift with parents but ultimately brought new perspectives. (07:38–12:54)
“That idea—that there was not one true church, there could be many possible truths...for me personally, that was the beginning of a huge reckoning.” — Lauren Jackson (09:54)
- Transition to Secularity & Search for Meaning
- After leaving the church, Jackson found meaning in career, fitness classes, travel, shared activism, and even contemporary cultural rituals (SoulCycle, social justice rallies).
- Observes the “spiritualized” nature of gatherings, whether at climate protests or the Taylor Swift ERAS tour.
- 92% of Americans say they believe in something (God, spirits, afterlife), but only 30% regularly attend worship. (14:01)
3. Why Are People Returning?—Themes From Interviews
Effects of the Pandemic
- The pandemic was a “moment of extraordinary rupture”:
- Forced self-reflection, a reckoning with mortality, and highlighted loneliness/isolation. (19:38–21:22)
“People were forced to contend with their own mortality...and if it was working for them.” — Lauren Jackson (20:35)
Yearning for Community
- Many interviewees feel “an ache” for connection deeper than what online communities or nuclear family life offer.
- Examples include a longing for meal trains, accountability, and rituals not present in secular life.
- “High holidays offer a good structure... There’s no Hallmark card for an ‘I’m sorry day,’ and Yom Kippur offers that.” (22:50–23:20)
Desire for Structure, Ritual, and Accountability
- People re-assess the drawbacks and benefits of religious discipline, ritual, and community service.
- “Many are revisiting the whole package, even if that comes with the baggage of deeply flawed institutions.” (23:25)
Political Climate as a Catalyst
- Renewed interest in faith isn’t just on the right; some on the left find themselves turning to religion for universalist values and community as a counter to toxic or divisive political rhetoric. (24:31–29:05)
4. A Notable Story: The Conversion of Nick Woomer
- Raised nominal Catholic, became a hostile atheist and activist.
- Trump’s election & rise in “irreligious right” lead Woomer to re-evaluate:
- Sees danger in tribal, non-universalist ideologies and is drawn back to the “transcendent universalism” of faith.
- Secretly watches Fr. Mike Schmitz’s Catholic videos on YouTube; eventually attends mass and opens up to spiritual experience. (29:16–34:38)
“I was clandestinely going to. I mean, it was kind of a weird thing...you just feel like you go from being so strident about one thing and then doing a 180.” — Nick Woomer (33:29)
- Realizes Christianity offers both a “broader vision” and personal ethical responsibility missing from previous frameworks.
- Finds “genuine faith in God” through gradually participating again in rituals. (35:34)
5. Limits to the Trend: Curiosity More Than Revival
- Numbers remain level, not surging.
- Chaplains (e.g., at Harvard) seeing increased curiosity about religion, not necessarily higher membership. (36:30–37:06)
- Religious motifs return to prominence in politics (J.D. Vance, Pete Hegseth), but also on the left (NYC Mayor Zoran Mamdani, TX Rep. James Talarico).
(Quotes/Notable Moments – Politics and Culture)
- “Christian nationalists walk around with a mouth full of scripture and a heart full of hate.” — Rep. James Talarico (38:28)
- Pope’s death, references in music (Rosalía’s album about “being hot for God”), and public prayer by politicians all indicate renewed religious visibility in U.S. culture. (39:46–40:21)
6. Personal Reflections and Reconciliation
- Lauren Jackson remains non-religious but continues to pray and finds connection with her religious parents through open conversation.
- Weekly newsletter “Believing” offers a bridge—her journalism becomes a new form of spiritual dialogue. (40:25–41:57)
“I’m a journalist, and we have found a way to connect again about something that for a long time really drove us apart. I love you.” — Lauren Jackson (41:56)
Notable Quotes & Timestamps
- “Secularization is paused.” — Lauren Jackson (03:45)
- “I would love to find a way to have what I had then, without compromising who I feel I am.” — Young Interviewee (24:10)
- “That concept that there was not one true church, there could be many possible truths...that was the beginning of a huge reckoning.” — Lauren Jackson (09:54)
- “Religion is not just about other people who lived a long time ago. Religion is about us in the here and now.” — Unattributed Commentator (38:05)
- “I feel like I have a faith, like a genuine faith in God now.” — Nick Woomer (35:34)
Timestamps of Important Segments
- 00:33–02:42: Introduction and premise of reporting
- 03:45–06:56: The pause in American secularization, new data explained
- 07:38–13:35: Lauren Jackson’s personal story and family reckoning
- 14:01–15:37: Meaning-making outside religion; spirituality in secular life
- 19:38–24:22: Interviews with young adults: community, ritual, the pandemic
- 24:31–35:34: Political climate’s role, Nick Woomer’s conversion narrative
- 36:30–40:21: Religious resurgence in politics, pop culture, and beyond
- 40:25–41:57: Lauren’s present relationship with religion and her parents
Summary Takeaway
After decades of declining religious affiliation, America is witnessing a halt in secularization—marked by increased curiosity about faith, especially among young adults and across political lines. Catalysts include the pandemic, societal dissatisfaction, and yearning for community and meaning. While not a full-scale revival, the landscape is shifting: religion and spirituality are regaining cultural footing, not just among the conservative right but also within progressive circles, politics, and pop culture. Through data, stories, and her personal journey, Lauren Jackson shows religion’s complicated return—not as a force of dogma, but as a set of resources and relationships many Americans are reconsidering with fresh eyes.