A new Lifeway Research survey found a majority of Americans believe religious liberty is on the decline, and nearly six-in-10 say religious tolerance for Christians in the U.S. is also declining.
Notably, the majority of people in every religious group — Catholics, Protestants, and those of other religious beliefs — agree that Christians face ramped-up intolerance.
This viewpoint is even held by 41% of people who are not affiliated with any faith.
In a world in which progressive and secular ideals are on the increase, it’s not surprising to see Christianity — which once held a more sweeping cultural sway — draw mounting rebuke.
Scott McConnell, executive director of Lifeway Research, said this intolerance surrounds “cultural pushback.”
He said, “In the American marketplace of ideas, not all systems of thought are welcomed,” “The majority of all religions notice this pushback against Christians today.”
Some would suggest that Christians complaining about how they are treated is fueling the numbers, a view held by 36% of respondents. But 49 percent disagreed.
The survey results come as Christianity continues to decline, with the Pew Research Center finding that 63% of Americans identify as Christians, down from 78% in 2007.
At the same time, the growth of the “nones” — those individuals who are either atheist, agnostic, or unaffiliated — continues to swell.