Understanding the state of religion among today’s youth is key to understanding the future of American society. Philip Schwadel, Carl Happold Professor of Sociology, studies what has caused a growing proportion of young people to leave religion – and why others maintain religious belief. He is familiar with the ways family, friends and life transitions can promote or discourage religious affiliation as well as the impact of religious decline on social cohesion. Stephen Lahey, who teaches an introductory course on religious studies, along with classes on Augustine, Dante and European culture before 1000 C.E. He specializes in medieval theology.Max Perry Mueller is a historian of American religion, who has written on religion, race and politics for Slate, The New Republic and The Atlantic.