USC Dornsife College Of Letters Arts and Sciences

University of Southern California

Larry King Now: Richard Flory on the Future of Faith in America

Larry King Now: Richard Flory on the Future of Faith in America

Larry King Now: Richard Flory on the Future of Faith in America

Despite the fact that the United States remains the most religious first world country in the world, religiosity is on the decline among Americans under 40. Joining a panel of faith leaders, academics and journalists on Larry King Now, CRCC’s Senior Director of Research and Evaluation Richard Flory discussed why younger generations continue to move away from faith communities, the rise of progressivism, the resurgence of sexism, racism, and xenophobia in America, and how these shifts affect the future of faith in America.

In response to how technology will intersect with faith in the future, Flory said:

But if you can know anything you need to know by pulling out your phone and typing it up, why do I need that pastor, why do I need that priest, or why do I need that rabbi to tell me and help me? The difference is that versus having that personal contact. I think what people believe is that what they get and can find out through the internet is different from what they can get in person. Personally, I think that’s the hope for religious groups in general – is how to create that human community in a world that pretty much lacks that.

Click here to watch the full video.