Boswell, university chaplain and dean of multifaith engagement, offered her thoughts about some of the factors contributing to a move away from organized religion.
A recent segment by FOX 8 journalist Bob Buckley that focused on changes in participation in organized religion in the United States featured the insights of Rev. Kirstin Boswell, university chaplain and dean of multifaith engagement.
Buckley asked Boswell about declines in the percentage of Americans who say they belong to a church, synagogue or mosque, and whether scandals in houses of worship of various sects have contributed to that trend.
โI think that it has definitely shaken peopleโs faith in organized religion,โ said Boswell told Buckley.ย โI donโt necessarily believe that it has shaken peopleโs faith in having faith though.โ
Boswell shared that she does see that some young people are avoiding organized religion because they view it as judgmental.
โCertainly in my role as a chaplain and higher ed, thatโs one of the things that I hear the most I would say from students,โ said Boswell.ย โAnd the students that we work with here at the Truitt Center for Religious and Spiritual Life often weโll say things like, โWow, you know, this is such an open place. I mean, I could really just come as I am.โ And that is a surprise to them, which is unfortunate.โ
Watch the full segment in the above video or for more details.