The latest report from the Pew Research Center, released on October 20, 2025, indicates that perceptions about the role of religion in American society are undergoing a significant shift. According to the data, a growing number of Americans believe that religion is regaining influence in the nation’s life, and more and more people have expressed a positive view of its public presence. For many years, secularism has dominated the public sphere of American life. Religion was increasingly viewed as a private matter, separated from politics and law. However, this new Pew report signals a turning tide—one that represents a major step in the fulfillment of end-time Bible prophecy.
Pew Research Center published the following about the growing influence of religion in society:
• “Americans’ views about religion in public life are shifting. From February 2024 to February 2025, there was a sharp rise in the share of U.S. adults who say religion is gaining influence in American life.” [1]
• “The new survey also finds that in recent years, a growing share of the public takes a positive view of religion’s role in society. [1]
• “In a February 2024 Pew Research Center poll, 18% of U.S. adults said religion was gaining influence in American life. That was the lowest level we had seen in more than two decades. A year later, in a February 2025 survey, 31% of U.S. adults said religion was gaining influence in American life—the highest figure we’ve seen in 15 years.” [1]
• “Between 2024 and 2025, nearly all large U.S. religious groups have become more likely to say religion is gaining influence. This shift can be seen—to varying degrees—among religiously affiliated and unaffiliated Americans, Republicans and Democrats, and younger and older Americans.” [1]
• “About nine-in-ten White evangelical Protestants (92%) have a positive view of religion’s role in public life. Majorities of Black Protestants (75%), Catholics (71%), and White nonevangelical Protestants (67%) also express positive views of religion.” [1]
There is nothing inherently wrong with Christian influence growing in society—if it means that believers are living out their faith with humility, love, and service. Throughout history, Christianity has inspired countless missions of compassion, including charity and relief work, orphanages, hospitals, education, and many other efforts that have transformed lives for the better. This kind of influence reflects the true spirit of Christ. However, the danger arises when that influence crosses the line—when Christianity stops persuading hearts and instead seeks to compel behavior through the power of the state. Once religious conviction begins to demand legislation to enforce belief or worship, it no longer represents the gospel of Christ but embodies the very spirit of the “image to the beast” foretold in Revelation 13.
Unfortunately, the growing religious influence in our nation is moving toward a condition that prophecy has long warned about—a revival of the same church–state alliance that once persecuted dissenters in the past. In recent years, a significant number of Christian groups have sought to leverage government power to advance or mandate specific religious teachings through legislation. Many now advocate for initiatives such as public prayer, Ten Commandments displays, Bible instruction, Sunday rest laws, and other measures designed to bring religious practice into public institutions. This raises serious concerns about freedom of conscience, the separation of church and state, and the growing risk that religion may come to dominate civil government.
Jesus gave us the perfect example of true Christian influence when he declared that His kingdom is not of this world (John 18:36). The power of the gospel lies in the conversion of the heart, not in the control of the state. God’s love works by invitation, not imposition. Jesus never forced His teachings upon others, nor did He seek to rule through Caesar’s authority. The early church triumphed over the Roman Empire—not by lobbying the Senate or wielding political power, but by living out the love of Christ through the Holy Spirit. The same principle must guide believers today: our mission is to transform hearts by preaching and living the gospel, not to dominate society through politics or legislation.
The growing influence of religion in American society may be seen by many believers as a sign of hope and spiritual renewal, but in reality, it is preparing the way for the greatest crisis the world has ever known—a time when the church will seek to use the power of government to enforce religious teachings, whether through moral legislation, worship laws, or so-called “Christian nation” policies.
“It is no part of Christ’s mission to compel men to receive Him. It is Satan, and men actuated by his spirit, that seek to compel the conscience” (Desire of Ages, 487).
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