Are There Things that Increase of Rate of Leaving Christianity


Part of the disciple of Finance deals with the difference between "stocks" (of money) and "flows (of money). Buying a house is priced as some stock of dollars. To some who borrow to buying house, the flow to pay off the mortgage has to be low enough to fit into the other outflows from one's bank account. 

In Christian churches, the flow into them is determined somewhat by the number of children born to Christian parents. Fewer babies means, of course, a smaller flow. That flow is even smaller now because 80% of children born to Christian parents leave by the time they are 20 years old. 

Recently, I've wondered if the rate of outflow from Christianity in the U.S. is affected by rates of flow of other information and events. Certainly, scandals among clergy has increased the rate of leaving. But, are there certain tenets that are more important than others in influencing the rate of out flow from Christianity. There is, I believe, some evidence. I've read the outflow from Liberal Protestant churches is less than from conservative denominations.  

When denominations refuse to alter their views or public face we would expect them to decline. If denominations are stuck in place but the rate of change in the society speeds up, it seems reasonable the rate of decline in denominations would accelerate. I'm thinking of something like female clergy. Everyone knows women are very visible in leadership positions. It seems to me that rate of prominence of women is increasing. Politicians, business, show business and other visible areas is larger every year. I don't know how to measure this, it's my impression.

It seems this could increase the old stuck in the mud denominations and help those which are more up to date. Looking at both Catholics and Protestants who do not allow women as clergy the impression I get is free fall. Liberal denominations are doing better.

My internet is down, cable into building got cut. It's quick posts from coffee shops for a few days.  

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