New Survey Explores Why People Don’t Attend Church

A 2014 poll found that roughly one-third of Americans seldom or never attend religious services in churches, mosques or other “houses of worship.” A new survey explores all the reasons why they stay at home.

The Aug. 1 Pew Research Center survey found that among adults who seldom or never attend services, 37 percent do so because they say they practice their faith “in other ways.”

The other reasons are varied:

• 
  28 percent – “I am not a believer.”
• 
  23 percent – “I haven’t found a church or other house of worship I like.”
• 
  18 percent – “I don’t like the sermons.”
• 
  14 percent – “I don’t feel welcome.”
• 
  12 percent – “I don’t have the time.”
• 
  9 percent – “I’m in poor health or find it difficult to get around.”
• 
  7 percent – “There isn’t a church or other house of worship for my religion in my area.”

The 2014 survey found that 30 percent of Americans seldom or never attend religious services.

Meanwhile, among Americans who attend services at least once a month, the new poll found that 81 percent do so to become closer to God, 69 percent so their children will have a moral foundation, 68 percent to make them a “better person,” and 66 percent to give them comfort in troubled times.

The new poll was conducted among 4,729 adults in December.

Michael Foust is a freelance writer. Visit his…