Throughout history, socialist leaders have suppressed and persecuted religion and religious leaders in their quest for power. That's because faith — which in nearly all forms encourages morality, compassion, and personal freedom and accountability — fundamentally opposes the premise that some central authority is better suited than individuals to make decisions for themselves.

As Karl Marx, the father of socialism, declared, "Communism begins from the outset with atheism."

The anti-religion foundations of socialism directly contradict our Founders' deep conviction that religion is a cornerstone of a free nation.

"Of all the dispositions and habits which lead to political prosperity, religion and morality are indispensable supports," George Washington said in his farewell address to the nation.

John Adams, our second president, echoed the same sentiments: "Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other."

Democratic socialism, the well-manicured but no less dangerous brand of socialism taking root in America, especially among young people, is undermining our country's pillars of faith. While less overt than Stalin's or Mao's persecution of church leaders, the modern-day creep of socialism threatens our religious freedoms, and those pushing its spread are content to watch our national beliefs erode.

Two decades ago, more than 40% of U.S. adults regularly attended a religious service. In 2024, Pew Research reported that only 30% do today. In 2003, less than one in 10 Americans said they have no religious affiliation. That figure more than doubled to over one in five by 2023.

A Gallup poll last year found fewer than half of Americans say religion is very important in their lives, a more than 10-point decline from 2005. In 1965, the not-so-distant past, a full 70% said religion was very important.

Many factors contribute to this national shift, but it owes in no small part to the burgeoning federal welfare state, which has largely replaced the role once filled by churches, synagogues, other institutions of faith, and charitable organizations.

Historically, places of worship and their congregations have provided services to meet the needs of their communities — food banks and soup kitchens, clothing drives and homeless shelters, to name only a few. But as big government has stepped in to fill the public's every want and need, the role of the church has been diminished, which has contributed to falling participation, both in giving and attendance.

As recently as the early 1980s, over 60% of charitable giving was directed to religious causes. By 2023 less than a quarter of charitable donations went to religious organizations, an all-time low.

This great departure from the pillars of faith that once united our country is the product of many factors. But even though the far left may cheer it — they want everyone to genuflect at the altar of big government — it is tearing at the fabric of our communities.

In a 2024 survey, the U.S. ranked last among 24 countries for citizens feeling close to others in their country and communities. The sense of isolation was greatest among young people, Democrats and those who were religiously unaffiliated.

In another study this year, only a quarter of Americans between the ages 18 and 29 said they talk with their neighbors at least a few times a week, down from almost 60% in 2012.

As much as the left would like us to believe that religion is some driver of hate and bigotry, the truth is, it is and always has been a common bond that unites us as a country — not any single religion, but the practice of exercising our faith.

In 2019, Philanthropy Roundtable explained: "Underlying this resistance to religion is an assumption that faith is not important to the functioning of our nation. ... Rising numbers of Americans believe that religious activity can be stopped or pushed entirely into private sanctums without any public cost. Those Americans are mistaken."

There's hope that Americans are returning to their faith and common values. Last year, for the first time in four decades, attendance at U.S. congregations increased. Not surprisingly, so did giving.

Socialists want to mitigate and minimize religion because it stands in the way of their goal, which is to amass power for themselves. Places of worship have an opportunity to reclaim their rightful role in our communities and our country, and it starts by ordinary Americans filling the pews again.

Ken Buck served in the United States House of Representatives from 2015-2024 representing Colorado's 4th congressional district. He now serves as a Fellow with the Independent Center. To find out more about Ken Buck and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com.

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