Introduction
America was once a nation deeply rooted in Christianity, with faith guiding morals, laws, and community life. However, as church attendance and belief in God have declined, so too have many aspects of societal well-being.
This post will explore how this shift has contributed to America’s decline from historical, statistical, and moral/cultural perspectives, using both empirical data and biblical wisdom. Additionally, we will examine how this phenomenon aligns with biblical warnings about apostasy, the turning away from God and His truth.
Historical Perspective: Christianity’s Role in America’s Foundation and Growth
The Founding Fathers
Many of America’s Founding Fathers were deeply influenced by Christian principles. While not all were devout believers, they acknowledged the necessity of religion in maintaining a moral society.
John Adams:
“Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other.”
The Great Awakenings
The First and Second Great Awakenings (18th-19th centuries) brought spiritual renewal, strengthened family values, and influenced societal reforms, such as the abolition of slavery. Contrast this with today: as Christianity’s influence wanes, national unity and moral standards have eroded.
Biblical Support:
- Proverbs 14:34 — “Righteousness exalts a nation, But sin is a disgrace to any people.” (NASB)
- Psalm 33:12 — “Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord, The people He has chosen for His own inheritance.” (NASB)
The Rise of Apostasy in America
What is Apostasy?
Apostasy refers to the deliberate falling away from or rejection of faith. The Bible warns that in the last days, many will abandon biblical truth, replacing it with deception, moral relativism, and rebellion against God.
Biblical Warnings About Apostasy:
- 2 Thessalonians 2:3 — “No one is to deceive you in any way! For it will not come unless the apostasy comes first, and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the son of destruction.” (NASB)
- 1 Timothy 4:1 — “But the Spirit explicitly says that in later times some will fall away from the faith, paying attention to deceitful spirits and teachings of demons.” (NASB)
- Hebrews 6:4-6 — A strong warning against those who fall away after knowing the truth.
Signs of Apostasy in America
- Doctrinal Apostasy: Many churches have compromised biblical truth, embracing secular ideologies that contradict Scripture.
- Moral Apostasy: Society now promotes behaviors that the Bible calls sin, including the rejection of God’s design for marriage, family, and human life.
- Spiritual Apostasy: Fewer people identify as Christians, and many who do lack biblical knowledge or personal commitment to Christ.
Apostasy does not happen overnight—it is a gradual process of replacing God’s truth with worldly deception.
Biblical Support:
- Isaiah 5:20 — “Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil; Who substitute darkness for light and light for darkness; Who substitute bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter!” (NASB)
- 2 Timothy 3:1-5 — A prophecy about the last days, describing a generation that is “lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God.” (NASB)
Statistical Perspective: The Numbers Behind the Decline
- Church Attendance & Belief in God: According to Gallup, in 1940, 73% of Americans belonged to a church. In 2023, that number dropped below 50%.
- Crime & Morality: The FBI reports a significant increase in violent crime over the past few decades, particularly in urban areas where church attendance is lowest.
- Family Breakdown: The decline in Christian values has coincided with a rise in single-parent households. Children raised without strong moral guidance are statistically more likely to engage in crime or substance abuse.
Example: The Removal of Prayer from Schools
The removal of school prayer (Engel v. Vitale, 1962) marked a turning point in American society. Since then, discipline problems, teen pregnancies, and drug use in schools have escalated.
Biblical Support:
- Hosea 4:6 — “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge. Since you have rejected knowledge, I also will reject you from being My priest. Since you have forgotten the Law of your God, I also will forget your children.” (NASB)
- Romans 1:28-32 — Paul describes a society that rejects God, leading to moral decay.
The Consequences of a Godless Society
Breakdown of the Family
The Bible upholds marriage and family as the foundation of society. Yet today, traditional family structures are in decline, replaced by cohabitation, divorce, and single-parent homes.
- In 1960, 5% of children were born to unwed mothers. Today, that number is over 40% (CDC).
Rising Hostility Toward Christianity
Christian values are increasingly marginalized. Public figures, businesses, and even churches face pressure to conform to secular ideologies.
Biblical Support:
- Psalm 9:17 — “The wicked will return to Sheol, All the nations who forget God.” (NASB)
- Matthew 24:12 — “And because lawlessness is increased, most people’s love will become cold.” (NASB)
A Call to Action: Restoring Faith in America
- Revival is possible, but it starts with individuals turning back to God.
- Encourage personal faith, church attendance, and discipleship.
- Support Christian schools, organizations, and policies that uphold biblical values.
- Engage in evangelism, community service, and political activism to restore Christian influence in America.
Biblical Support:
- 2 Chronicles 7:14 — “And My people who are called by My Name humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.” (NASB)
- Matthew 5:13-14 — Christians are called to be the salt and light of the world.
Conclusion
The decline of Christianity in America has led to increased crime, moral confusion, family breakdown, and societal division.
Furthermore, this decline is part of a larger pattern of apostasy, where individuals and nations turn away from God, fulfilling biblical prophecy.
The only solution is a return to biblical principles and faith in Jesus Christ. History shows that revival is possible, and scripture promises that those who seek God will find Him.