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Religion’s Sudden Decline: What’s Causing it, and What Comes Next? by Ronald Inglehart
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A very thorough analysis of the reasons for the decline of religion. This is probably not a welcome message for those who value religion but Inglehart makes a strong case that the decline of religion is the predictable end result of a long process of shifting cultural values driven by socioeconomic development. Religion is set to decline a lot further than it already has. If overall economic stability and growth continue in the long run.

I particularly liked the discussion about the USA which for a long time was the exception to the rule and maintained high religiosity rates. But starting in 1990 religion has started to collapse in the USA as well. Apparently when the Soviet Union fell (along with its forced atheism) the argument that atheism is unpatriotic and anti-American has ceased to apply.

This is a must have for everyone who liked Inglehart’s “Cultural Evolution: People’s Motivations are Changing and Reshaping the World”.

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If you want to read more about this but aren’t ready to read an entire book check out this article in The Atlantic: Three Decades Ago, America Lost Its Religion. Why?