While 84% of the world’s population still affiliates with a faith of some sort, there are clear indicators that people in the United States and elsewhere are abandoning religion. This shift toward secularization may have significant social and psychological consequences, because religion is often linked to better mental health, stronger social ties, and increased rates of marriage and childbearing. This report examines who and how many are leaving religion, which faiths are most affected by disaffiliation, individual and social consequences of a decline in religiosity, and factors increasing the likelihood of returning to faith.

Wheatley Institute and the David M. Kennedy Center for International Studies welcomed Jeff Rosen to BYU campus on Nov 13, 2025 as he spoke on his recent book, "The Pursuit of Happiness: How Classical Writers on Virtue Inspired the Lives of the Founders and Defined America," a New York Times bestseller and an enriching examination of what “the pursuit of happiness” meant to our nation’s Founders and how that famous phrase defined their lives and became the foundation of our democracy.

Wheatley Institute Director Paul Edwards gave a devotional at Ensign College about becoming Disciple-Citizens. He emphasized the importance of active civic participation for members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, and the ways that responsible citizens can support American democracy.

The "Inside Sources" podcast had three guest speakers: Jonathan Rauch, Anne Snyder, and Russell Moore; that discussed various topics regarding religion, politics, and society. Each person's commentary helped set the stage for their participation in the June 15, 2023 Religious Freedom Annual Review, hosted by Wheatley Institute and the International Center for Law and Religion Studies.

Wheatley Director Paul Edwards Writes Tribute to Pastor in Deseret News

An article in the Deseret News uses Wheatley's research on the correlation between family structure and teens' digital media habits. The authors, Alyssa ElHage and Brad Wilcox, discuss the debate of a teen's place in the big tech world and how the government is addressing the concerns. They go on to give tips to parents on how to limit their children's screen time. The article concludes with a call to action for parents to take charge in their teens' digital habits until more can be done on Capital Hill.