Since 1965, when immigration laws were eased to allow growing numbers of newcomers, a predominantly Christian United States has become home to a wealth of religious traditions. Little by little, these faiths are spreading to other homes as more Americans take on different religious traditions. But the pattern of change is not unilateral. Immigrants are converting to traditional American religious expressions. The free- market climate of religion in this country has made for a much wider choice available.
Various factors appear to be leading people to change faiths.
The most common appears to be that people of different faiths marry and decide to have a common religion. The ecumenical movement also appears to have fostered a dialogue among members of various religious traditions, said the Rev. Scott Colglazier, senior minister of University Christian Church in Fort Worth and author of Touchstones, a book about spiritual awakenings in everyday life. The book is scheduled to be in bookstores next month. I think we are seeing a variety of walls breaking down, not only among Christian denominations but among many faiths. There are people who are disillusioned with their faith or disillusioned with how their parents have raised them or the church that has raised them, and they are seekers.