Technology separates families, and churches try to fill the void. Religious trends don't come and go as quickly as those in fashion or music, but they're more difficult to track because of the numbers involved and their relative lack of organization compared to an industry selling shoes or CDs. But many trends show up in traditional religious groups years later. A handful of experts monitor movements among the millions of American faithful. With the help of a few, here's a look at 10 trends in religion today.
Experts expect both types to survive.
Others, with their centuries-old services and hymnals your grandparents used, might be in for a surprise. It's simply a matter of keeping up with the times and keeping in touch with the people. Many of these changes, like many of these trends, can be traced to the 1960s, Roozen said. And examples are everywhere, from more laid-back preaching styles to more contemporary musical offerings. It's fine if you want to have your organ, but don't expect to have an easy time with generational differences if you're going to stake your future on it.