From the gods of ancient Greece to Catholicism, religious beliefs have been very influential in the progression of civilizations. In the modern day, however, it seems as though religion is now very different in terms of people practicing it, and how people are beginning to leave the religion in which they were raised. The morals of religion are, unfortunately, also being left behind as well as more people abandon religion altogether.

The world has many different religions. Christianity, Judaism, and Islam are major faiths that have believers across the globe. In the United States, religion is still a major part of the country’s make-up. Politics surrounding issues such as abortion and gay marriage are directly influenced by teachings of the Church and other religions. However, recent studies show that Americans in the 21st century are now changing the way they recog­nize religion in their lives.

According to the Pew Forum’s U.S. Religious Landscape Survey of 2007, one in four Americans ages 18-29 are not affiliated with any re­ligion. The statistical data of Pew’s study also found that 28% of Ameri­can adults have left the religion of their upbringing, and converted to another religion or none at all.

Even more surprising are the findings of religioustolerance.org, in which studies show an unsuspected religion to be experiencing rapid growth in North America. Their study of this religion can also prove that religious America is truly expe­riencing a time of greater spiritual diversity.

Wicca, a Neopagan religion that can trace its roots and traditions to the ancient Celts, has a faith system centered on earth-loving spirituality and the practice of witchcraft. It is the fastest growing religion in the United States, with the amount of Wiccans in the country doubling every 18 months. A once persecuted and misunderstood religious group is now the fastest growing faith in the country, primarily among younger Americans who find the conserva­tive teachings of the larger religions unappealing.

Another important finding in the Pew survey also shows that if current religious patterns continue, especially among young Americans, the unaffiliated religious population of the United States may continue to grow, even in contrast to grow­ing religions such as Wicca. This means that practice of religion, and its influence in society as well, will decrease significantly. While its presence is undeniable, younger Americans choose not to incorporate religion in their own lives as much as their parents or grandparents did.

For the United States, these stud­ies can be seen positive, but negative as well. These studies show that America is very diverse in religious faiths, and newer generations are choosing their own way of spiritual thinking, or non-spiritual reasoning. However, the morals of religious teachings among those unaffiliated with any religion are left behind because of their choice not to follow a specific religion.

Religion has played a major role in the lives of Americans since the founding of this country. Religion has made Americans view slavery in a different light, and religion forced reform in the slums of nineteenth-century America. The moral teach­ings of the religion were what made men change their minds.

Today, all we have to do is look at our society and see the ugliness that can arise from lack of morals. Murder, sexual assault, and other forms of criminality are products of illogical thinking, hatred of society, and the loss of morals in one’s life.

In no way do I infer that religious or moral values stop crime in all cases. Several crimes in U.S. his­tory have occurred due to the abuse of religion to commit horrible acts. The religious are capable of putting faith and morality aside, and causing harm to others.

For the most part, however, morals are what stop people from doing bad things in life. They help all of us understand what is right, and how we should act towards our fellow man.

For younger Americans, it can be understood that perspectives on God and religion are in contrast to science, and how both can chal­lenge the other. We as a generation sometimes can see how religion can separate us, and distinguish us as different from others.

However, belief in God, karma, or just moral responsibility is the only answer. Different religions can unite under the values of love and compassion.

Belief in religion is essential to give you a better understanding of yourself and others. Having faith in something higher than yourself is one of the best things, and it gives you hope that even in times of difficulty, you can overcome any obstacle with faith. To follow a religion gives you a better sense of the sometimes cruel world that surrounds you, and how you can do your part by being a good person.

The United States religious land­scape is changing, and my only hope is that the important morals of reli­gions are not forgotten, and that they are not cast aside due to someone’s belief that they are, in a sense, their own “higher authority.”