Americans' confidence in religion dropped significantly since the 1970s era as it hit the lowest level at 44% in 2012 due to abuse scandal and economy crisis

People in America continue to see less importance of religion in their lives. Scandals among leaders, televangelist preachers, and pastors have eroded the degree of confidence. Since early 2000s, Catholics pastors and children sex abuse have affected tremendously in Americans lives. While in the late 1980s and early 1990s scandals which involved televangelist preachers also played a big role in recent drop of confidence level in religion.

According to Gallup, since economy crisis hampered America starting in 2007, the confidence level increased slightly to 52% in 2009, but it dropped to 44% in 2012. Previously the confidence level dropped significantly to 45% in 2002, one year after the terrorists attacked America land. Then, it increased few points after the 9/11 disaster, but it dropped again to 46% in 2007 as Americans facing the world economy crisis and layoffs. Overall, the latest trend shows that Americans are now facing a long-term drop in confidence in religion since the 1970s era.

(Chart: Gallup)