Buddhism in America – Strong Growth
Buddhism has experienced strong growth in the US. From 1990 to 2001, Buddhism has grown 170% and become the 4th most practiced religion in America. We’ll discuss more about this growth and of Buddhism in America.
Some studies have suggested that there seems to be a decline in formal religions like Christianity in America. In 2001, 76.5% of Americans identified themselves as Christian. This is down from 86% just 11 years earlier. Over the same period, there was a 110% increase in non-religious categories.
So at this point, it can no longer be assumed that the US is exclusively a Christian nation. But there has been an increasing trend towards growth in Buddhists and non religious people into the mainstream of American culture.
From about 2001 on, Buddhism has experienced strong growth in interest and participation. Groups like the Buddhist Faith Fellowship and other successful Buddhist congregations in Connecticut have resulted in explosive growth there. In particular the Buddhist Faith Fellowship has experienced 1000% growth since its inception in 2001.
Some recent studies suggest that there are now about six million practicing Buddhists in America. This puts the number of Buddhists in line with a number of Protestant denominations.
So what is driving this growth? A number of religious leaders attribute it to three keys aspects.
- Buddha’s message of compassion, tolerance and rationality. Personal experiences and spiritual transformation should override traditional religious fear and blind faith in ancient dogma associated with Christian religions.
- There is a new generation of native born Western Buddhist leaders and teachers who have effectively been able to communicate Buddhist teaches and practices to a broad American populace.
- More and more Americans are seeking alternatives to conservative and mainline Christianity. They see Buddhism as a wonderful alternative.
The situation experienced in America is not just happening here. Similar results are seen in the United Kingdom, France, New Zealand and other industrialized countries worldwide.
Buddhism is poised to emerge as an important spiritual, cultural and political force during the 21st century. There are an estimated 1,000 Buddhist meditation centers nationally and that number is increasing. You can visit your local bookstore and find a wide selection of books dedicated to Buddhist spirituality.
Buddhism is also affecting modern medicine and its healing properties and practices. Many stores carry many kinds of Buddhist paraphernalia such as statues, bracelets, etc.
And Buddhism is evidenced in media such as a number of Hollywood movies with Buddhist themes such as Little Buddha, Kundun, Seven Years in Tibet, and Enlightenment Guaranteed. Buddhist themes were evident in popular movies such as Star Wars and The Matrix.
And a number of popular celebrities such as Tina Turner, Orlando Bloom, Richard Gere, Steven Segal, and Keanu Reeves bring awareness and interest to the religion.
The simple messages of tolerance, peace, and spiritual enlightenment will continue to drive strong interest and growth of Buddhism in America. To those people seeking an alternative to traditional Western religions, Buddhism is a strong force towards change and progressiveness