Trends in Religion Title Summary Status Reference Persistence of religious intolerance Over 1.6 million people a year are estimated to be persecuted and killed for their religious faith alone. Worldwide, the number of Muslims has doubled since 1970 to 1.2 billion adherents. Driven by multi-culturalism and internationalization of the West, increasing cultural diversity and interfaith contact can offer opportunities for growth and dialogue. On the other hand, the challenge of post-modernity continues to undermine traditional beliefs that once informed shaped various common creeds, producing culture wars between traditionalists and progressives. And for every woman in the pastorate, there are 30 others working in ministry roles, whether in religious education or outreach.
Spirituality is ever popular, but mainstream religions are declining in attendance.
With the advent of gen-X and the millennial generations, postmodernism is hitting mainstream culture. The continued boom of the online world is changing everything. We try to include references for the trends, giving credit where credit is due, but references are not given for trends that are widely cited by many of today's futurists.