I admit that I struggle with this post because I'm not sure what kind of change you are advocating. You quoted this statement: Barry Kosmin, the survey’s co-author, came to this conclusion: “religion has become more like a fashion statement, not a deep personal commitment for many.â€ But you also called for changing traditions and structures of belief. To what specifically?

Last night, my husband talked with a group of friends of different faiths about these very topics. One Christian noted that many churches today no longer require anything of anyone anymore. He said the result is that they don't require enough of us to produce real faith.

I experience a personal "newness of life" as Paul calls it in Romans not just from just accepting myself as I am but changing, or repenting toward, what God knows I can become. His requirements upon us are compassionate because they helps us let go of selfishness, pride, worldliness and sin. They open the door for us to see ourselves and others in a new light. His expectations are important words of loving instruction to help us reach that.