Section 2: Chapter 4, Religious Participation Summary and Analysis

Religious organizations have been an important part of civil society in America. As social institutions, churches are robust in America. Some estimates of religious observance suggest that people's adherence grew steadily from 1776 to 1980. Faith communities, which bring people together, may be the largest source of social capital in the United States. Half of volunteering in America happens through churches, as does associational membership. Churches and other religious institutions also support a wide range of social gatherings and activities. They have also been, in many cases, incubators for civic participation and community interests. People who are active in churches often gain skills such as leading meetings and managing disagreements that can help them in civic participation. Those who attend church are more likely to vote and participate politically than those individuals who do not attend.

Studies...