You left out the non-Christian religions which are coming to play a larger and larger role in the religious life of our nation. The number of Muslims and Hindus has almost doubled in the last seven years and (surprisingly) even the number of Jews has increased. I think the decrease in the number of Catholics can be explained because large numbers of Hispanics returned to Latin America due to the recession, yes, Obama's policies on immigration which deported more immigrants than any other president. Keep in mind you study covers the years 2007-2014. I think you find that that number will reverse itself when more baby-boomers retire creating a labor shortage and therefore a need to increase immigration.
Regardless, America is still the most religious country in the developed world. The percentage of atheists and agnostics have increased only by 3% and currently make up only 7% of the population. I think this is in part because Americans like their churches.. And I would argue they like them not so much because of the theology but because of the congregational form of organization which is so popular in America. In most cases it is local congregations, not the state or a hierarchical organization that governs the church. And that's the way we like it. If we don't get along in a certain church we just go shopping for another. How can you dislike ice cream when there are 31 flavors? In America, especially here in the Bible belt, the church is at the center of people's social life. That simply isn't the case in Europe.
You are right in most ways, whereas in Europe generally there is a true community in which many people are engaged and there is overall greater 'equality',and except for England, vaunting your riches will bring you disdain not approval ,so the churches fill a social role which was filled in France ,Spain and Italy by the RCC ,but less so now .
I would not write off RCC yet ,as it has done marvelous things in the past and is responsible for the beautiful towns and villages through out these countries and the more generous social care /rich culture .
The Fruits are in the every day culture ,whereas the US is according to some a 'dog eat dog' culture, where the ignorant and rich become 'stars' .Here it is quieter, less religion, more of the Spirit ;protestant culture is much less joyful , less creative, more individualistic and business orientated .Here it has left little trace as it lacks something ,
something is missing .
People are not atheists ,but completely fed up with ,and disilluioned with the hierarchical power structures and the legalistis fine tuning of ther lives which left no place for God Himself who is replaced by this clergy . When you add up the fact, that many as education became universal were discouraged to engage in bible groups ,so never have had the chance to know what Jesus really said ,never a chance talk about Him except as at Mass .
And again there are many like me who do not believe in transubstansiation, but in the
Spiritual presence of Jesus , and so they are kept away from participation at mass etc.and will not go to a priest to confess ,but confess to God Himself .
So there are not so many Atheists in France etc .,as there are people who are kept out of a Church which caters to those of a more superstitious mind set, and need rituals to engage in Church life instead of a personal Relationship with Jesus of the bible .
I put my faith in God ,and not men, and ...
