Why do these religions have the highest "turnover" (in the U.S.)?

Question

"Some groups such as Mormons and Jehovah's Witnesses appear to attract a large number of converts ("in-switchers"), but also nearly as large a number of apostates ("out-switchers"). It is also interesting to note that Buddhists also fall into this category of what one might call high-turnover religious groups."

To see the survey data in detail, see

http://www.gc.cuny.edu/faculty/research_briefs/aris/key_findings.htm

Answer 1

I think it is because we are in an era where people are searching for truth and are more inclined to reject a belief they were born into than ever before. I particularly like this part of the study:
"c. the greatest increase in absolute as well as in percentage terms has been among those adults who do not subscribe to any religious identification; their number has more than doubled from 14.3 million in 1990 to 29.4 million in 2001; their proportion has grown from just eight percent of the total in 1990 to over fourteen percent in 2001"

And the note at the end says the trend is in England, too.

CHEERS!

Answer 2

I have heard that JWs do pressurize converts to go out and win more converts. So there is probably a zealous atmosphere that might be appealing (who really likes half-hearted beliefs), but is highly stressful. Many perhaps including the more naturally shy might fail to "measure up". Mormons also do a lot of the door-to-door high-intensity stuff, and may get dunce-hatted for poor performance. I once was helped a lot by a JW - he was ultra-friendly, and tried hyper-hard to win me. He wasted a whole weekend helping me out, only to realise I was a christian. I thought he was just being very helpful.

Answer 3

I have come to find that expectations have allot to do with a persons overall satisfaction. The minute something doesn't go the way they think it should they leave in a huff. For me a church is similar to a school. I may not agree with all the rules but I am there to learn. And I am not going to tell the Teacher/Instructor/Professor that I disagree with their views. I learn from them and decide for myself what they say is relevant for my use and what is not. Heck there are aspects in all of them to which I do not agree. That is why I am non-denominational.

Answer 4

That survey is wrong. The fastest growing church in the whole United States is Joel Osteen Ministry and his Lakewood Church in Houston, Texas. The Islam religion is the world hold over 1 billion faithfuls. The biggest religion in the whole world..........Islam.

Answer 5

Very interesting, thank you for sharing that information. I have a JW that comes over every couple of weeks and then I have a couple of family members that are mormon.

Answer 6

The R&S prom is for everyone. I'm sorry you can't attend but have fun at your real-life prom! As for adults acting like teenagers, we have had more time to practice having fun than you have.

Answer 7

Because they just shower you w/ love til they get you to join. Then its "Get to work!". People get alienated by this big switch.Also, people are taught more of the deeper doctrines of the church after they join. This also turns alot of people away. I have known people who have joined both groups and left for the above two reasons. They said they felt bewildered and deceived.

Answer 8

Mormons have a lot of kids. They think the more kids the higher in heaven. I don't about JW'S though.

Answer 9

Using such data, you can prove what ever you want.

So what are you trying to prove?

.

Answer 10

maybe because the get converts with lies and when the learn teh truth pof the faith they leave.