Think Biblically: Conversations on Faith & Culture

Why Religion Went Obsolete (with Christian Smith)

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33 min·July 23, 2025

About this Episode

Has traditional faith become obsolete in America? And if so, what are the main contributing factors? Until now, there has not been a thorough sociological analysis of the various factors contributing to the demise of religion in America since the 1990’s. In this interview, rooted in his latest book Why Religion Went Obsolete, Dr. Smith offers a 30,000-foot analysis of why traditional religion has faded in America. 

Dr. Christian Smith is a highly influential sociologist and religious scholar. He is the William R. Kenan, Jr. Professor of Sociology and Director of the Center for the Study of Religion and Society at the University of Notre Dame. Smith received his MA and PhD from Harvard University in 1990 and his BA from Gordon College in 1983 

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Think Biblically: Conversations on Faith and Culture is a podcast from Talbot School of Theology at Biola University, which offers degrees both online and on campus in Southern California.

Find all episodes of Think Biblically at: https://www.biola.edu/think-biblically.

To submit comments, ask questions, or make suggestions on issues you'd like us to cover or guests you'd like us to have on the podcast, email us at thinkbiblically@biola.edu.

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Think Biblically: Conversations on Faith & Culture

Talbot School of Theology at Biola University / Sean McDowell & Scott Rae

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Why Religion Went Obsolete (with Christian Smith) — Think Biblically: Conversations on Faith & Culture — Selah