America’s Spiritual Reawakening: The Resurgence of Christian Media
A packed theater for the faith-based film, “Faith of Angels”
America appears to be experiencing a cultural shift—a spiritual reawakening unfolding across media, religion, and public life. In his August 28 opinion piece, Troy A. Miller challenges the narrative of a "post-Christian" future, arguing that faith—especially Christian media—is reentering the spotlight with renewed vigor. Here's a deep dive into the signs, data, and cultural dynamics behind this phenomenon.
Signs of a Spiritual Comeback
Miller begins by spotlighting vibrant, visible expressions of faith: weekends filled with mass baptisms on California beaches, rising church attendance among younger men, and booming Bible sales. Mainstream media may often downplay or satirize these moments, but they’re undeniably happening—and they suggest a broader trend.
Christian Media: From Niche to Mainstream
A landmark study by the National Religious Broadcasters (NRB) and the Barna Group reveals that 60% of Americans engage with Christian media, with half of them consuming it at least weekly. This is a dramatic rise in influence—this content is no longer on the fringe; it's woven into daily life.
Further data shows that “heavy users”—about 16% of all surveyed Americans—engage with Christian content across multiple platforms, averaging engagement on six platforms weekly and two per day.
Youth-Driven Momentum
Contrary to the assumption that Christian media primarily appeals to older demographics, Gen Z and Millennials are leading the charge. A Crosswalk analysis notes that 64% of Gen Z and 58% of Millennials consume Christian content via social media—highlighting how digital platforms are fueling this revival.
Cultural Contours and Celebrity Influence
The trend isn’t limited to streaming or radio—faith is increasingly visible in pop culture. Christian music climbs the Billboard charts, celebrities—like golfer Scottie Scheffler—openly thank Jesus on national television, and segments like “Songs of Faith” feature on mainstream TV.
However, not all reactions are supportive. The mainstream media often misrepresents or mocks faith expressions. Miller points to backlash against Gwen Stefani after she reshared a faith-based interview—not for her beliefs necessarily, but due to how they were misconstrued.
What the Data Shows
Christian media use stabilized at 62%, after years of decline.
Trust in the church is rising—slowly but steadily.
Podcasts and digital platforms play a major role: in 2025, 158 million Americans listen to podcasts monthly, with Religion & Spirituality among the fastest-growing genres.
Wider Cultural Ripples
Hollywood is taking note: faith-based content is on the rise. Platforms like Amazon Prime saw a 204% increase in faith-based titles in 2024, outpacing overall growth. Other streamers like Netflix, Hulu, and Max are following suit, expanding their faith content libraries.
Globally, young people are rediscovering faith: Gen Z is attending church more, closing gender gaps, and seeking spiritual community. Axios reports that faith among young Americans—and even in countries like France and the UK—is stabilizing or even rising post-pandemic.
Hollywood’s faith surge: Streaming hits like The Chosen, Jesus Revolution, and Sound of Freedom have shown that faith-based media can resonate widely. Studios and independent investors are pouring millions into high-quality productions like House of David, signaling that faith is no longer a niche market.
Summary
Troy A. Miller’s argument is clear: America isn’t drifting irreversibly into secular indifference—instead, signs point to a renewed spiritual hunger, driven by media, youth engagement, and cultural momentum.
This revival is not without complexity. "Faith" means different things to different people, and tensions remain over which voices will shape the narrative. Still, it’s undeniable: Christian media has moved from the periphery to the heart of mainstream discourse.
Call to Action for Readers:
What faith-based content resonates with you the most—and why?
Have you observed increased online or cultural expressions of faith in your community?
Do you see traditional media and Hollywood responding effectively to this shift?
