Christian Smith: Why Religion Went Obsolete

In this episode, Sociologist Christian Smith discusses his new book Why Religion Went Obsolete. Smith explains that while traditional religion has been declining in America for decades, this decline hasn't resulted in greater secularism but rather a shift toward what he calls "re-enchantment culture." He argues that religion hasn't simply declined but has become obsolete - still functional but superseded by alternatives that better match contemporary sensibilities. Smith identifies numerous causal factors behind this obsolescence, including technological changes, neoliberal capitalism, transformed family structures, and the internet. He emphasizes how religious institutions often contributed to their own obsolescence through scandals and political entanglements. Our conversation explores how these changes have created a "millennial zeitgeist" that fundamentally mismatches with traditional religious structures, making religion feel outdated for younger generations who are raised with different cultural assumptions and technological environments. You can WATCH the conversation on YouTube Christian Smith is a renowned sociologist specializing in the study of religion in contemporary society. He currently teaches at the University of Notre Dame, where he conducts extensive research on religious trends, particularly among young Americans. Smith is the author of multiple influential books exploring faith, culture, and generational shifts, including his latest work Why Religion Went Obsolete. He previously developed the concept of "Moralistic Therapeutic Deism" to describe the dominant religious worldview of American teenagers. Smith's research often combines quantitative data analysis with qualitative interviews to understand the complex factors shaping religious participation and belief. His work examines how broad cultural and economic transformations affect religious institutions and practices, with particular attention to how different generations experience and express spirituality. Smith approaches religious change through a sociological lens that emphasizes cultural contexts rather than focusing solely on individual belief or institutional membership. Theology Beer Camp | St. Paul, MN | October 16-18, 2025 3 Days of Craft Nerdiness with 50+ Theologians & God-Pods and 600 new friends. ONLINE CLASS ANNOUNCEMENT: The Many Faces of Christ Today The question Jesus asked his disciples still resonates today: "Who do you say that I am?" Join our transformative 5-week online learning community as we explore a rich tapestry of contemporary Christologies. Experience how diverse theological voices create a compelling vision of Jesus Christ for today's world. Expand your spiritual horizons. Challenge your assumptions. Enrich your faith. As always, the class is donation-based (including 0), so head over to ManyFacesOfChrist.com for more details and to sign up! _____________________ Hang with 40+ Scholars & Podcasts and 600 people at Theology Beer Camp 2025 (Oct. 16-18) in St. Paul, MN. This podcast is a Homebrewed Christianity production. Follow the Homebrewed Christianity, Theology Nerd Throwdown, & The Rise of Bonhoeffer podcasts for more theological goodness for your earbuds. Join over 80,000 other people by joining our Substack - Process This! Get instant access to over 45 classes at www.TheologyClass.com Follow the podcast, drop a review, send feedback/questions or become a member of the HBC Community. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices