I think it is quite simply that irreligion is a "normal" good. As society has become increasing wealthy over the past few centuries, the demand for irreligion as increased. That is simply an empirical fact, it does not explain the link, nor does attempt to see if rising wealth is picking up something else.
Yes, churches frequently struggle to provide a strong understanding of Christianity. Making the transition from children's lessons on 'Jesus loves you' into more rigid doctrine often doesn't happen.
Here's a summary of an AI summary which I think is reasonable:
"Socialization is the process by which individuals internalize the norms, ideologies, and comprehensive worldviews of a given community. To be 'undersocialized' in a religious faith means the transmission of that faith from parents and religious institutions to the youth was weak, superficial, or incomplete.
An undersocialized student possesses a very thin cognitive framework regarding their purported religion. They may identify as Christian, Jewish, or Muslim, but they cannot articulate the core orthodoxies, historical boundaries, or philosophical implications of that faith.
Further, many reduce historical religion to a vague, inoffensive baseline: God exists, God wants people to be nice to each other, and God wants people to be happy."
I think it is quite simply that irreligion is a "normal" good. As society has become increasing wealthy over the past few centuries, the demand for irreligion as increased. That is simply an empirical fact, it does not explain the link, nor does attempt to see if rising wealth is picking up something else.
Yes, churches frequently struggle to provide a strong understanding of Christianity. Making the transition from children's lessons on 'Jesus loves you' into more rigid doctrine often doesn't happen.
"many young Americans are so undersocialized in their religious faith (before college begins)" .. what does that even mean?
Here's a summary of an AI summary which I think is reasonable:
"Socialization is the process by which individuals internalize the norms, ideologies, and comprehensive worldviews of a given community. To be 'undersocialized' in a religious faith means the transmission of that faith from parents and religious institutions to the youth was weak, superficial, or incomplete.
An undersocialized student possesses a very thin cognitive framework regarding their purported religion. They may identify as Christian, Jewish, or Muslim, but they cannot articulate the core orthodoxies, historical boundaries, or philosophical implications of that faith.
Further, many reduce historical religion to a vague, inoffensive baseline: God exists, God wants people to be nice to each other, and God wants people to be happy."