Here’s a rather heavy item for you to ponder on a Monday morning: there’s a long and fascinating post at On the Square tracing the decline and fall of Protestant America—that is, the vanishing influence of mainstream Protestant denominations (Episcopalian, Methodist, Presbyterian, and Lutheran) on American society. The article is far too in-depth to summarize here, but the gist of it is something like this: throughout the first two centuries of American history, mainstream Protestant denominations were an important force in both supporting and criticizing American society, but since the 1970s have essentially fallen completely out of those roles. Mainstream Protestant denominations have gone from actively shaping American society (leading the abolition movement, spearheading Prohibition, etc.) to… not having much relevant to say at all.

As for why this is the case, the post mentions several different factors. Any thoughts or reactions? Many evangelicals would dismiss America’s mainline Protestant denominations as overly liberal—but theologically liberal or not, has their loss of social influence hurt American society? Do you see other Christian movements rising to take their place, or does their waning reflect a broader loss of Christian influence on American culture?