ABSTRACT
The dramatic changes in American Protestantism during the past two decades or so have presented social scientists with an interesting puzzle. Some major denominations have been declining noticeably in membership and support, while others have been growing just as dramatically. In addition, new religious movements, such as evangelicalism and charismatic renewal, have swept into many different kinds of denominations, enhanc ing the religious interest and commitment of some of their members, while antagonizing others. Finally, some entirely new religions never before known in North America (and not really Protestant) have brought great controversy to the religious scene, provoking charges that they are actually dangerous cults. What is happening? Is religion in retreat, as traditionally predicted by secularization theory, or is a religious renewal taking place despite the many other signs of secularization? Or is something else altogether going on, like a shuffling of membership from some denomina tions to others?
