If church membership is the criterion, the U.S. is more interested in religion than it ever was before. According to a survey by the National Council of Churches, the 54 largest religious bodies (50,000 and over) gained 51.6% in membership between 1926 and 1949. In the same period, the U.S. population grew about 30%.
Among the fastest sprouters during the 23-year period were some of the evangelistic sects, e.g., the Church of God in Christ (1,025%), the Assemblies of God (474%). "Once thought of as appealing especially to the socially disadvantaged," the National Council report remarks, such sects "are now bringing...
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