ABSTRACT
The historical evidence on religion in the USA does not support the traditional model of secularization. The evidence displays the vitality of religious organizations and the continuing commitment of individuals. Rather than declining, church adherence rates have shown a rapid increase in the nineteenth century and remarkable stability throughout the twentieth. Secularization is treated as an inseparable companion of modernization and the trend of secularization in Europe is forecast as the inevitable trend for all. Urbanization, industrialization, and pluralism have all been cited as sources for the anticipated long-term process of secularization. Yet, in the USA, urban areas have held higher rates of involvement, the percentage of the labour force in manufacturing is positively associated with adherence rates, and pluralism has stimulated growth and involvement rather than decline. In contrast, when there is religious regulation, the start-up costs are higher and sectarian movements strive harder to reduce the tension with their environment-leading to more rapid secularization.
