Social Science Research Council

Patterns of religious engagement among American undergraduates have changed. Once at the center of student religious life, the influence of mainline Protestant denominations has waned. At the same time, new religious groups—such as extra-denominational and parachurch organizations—have become increasingly prominent. Evangelicalism has become more influential, and Catholic and Jewish campus organizations have been revitalized, while immigration and the growth of alternative religions have contributed to a new religious pluralism on campus. With initial support from the Teagle Foundation, the SSRC explores these and other transformations of college student religion through both a web forum and an online guide.