Pew Research Forum, one of the best and most consistent centers for research into religious belief and observance in the United States, recently released a report on religious “Nones”—the category of “religiously unaffiliated” that includes atheists, agnostics, and a sizable majority who describe their religion as “nothing in particular.”
Right now, 28 percent of American adults are classified as religiously unaffiliated. We’ve seen this percentage increase over the years as the process of secularization continues to move forward in the United States. The trend is most evident among younger people—69 percent of the Nones are younger than 50, in contrast to U.S. adults in this age group who identify with a religion (45 percent).
The overall findings of the Pew study are what we might expect, but taking a closer look at religiously unaffiliated Americans brings a few surprises, upending presuppositions and assumptions of what our friends and neighbors think and how they live.
Ambivalent, Not Antagonistic
It’s clear from the surveys that most Nones in America aren’t hostile toward religion. Yes, you find occasional opposition, especially among those who identify as atheistic. For the most part, though, the Nones are marked by ambivalence, not antagonism, toward religious people and organizations. Some point to religion as the cause of certain problems in society, such as intolerance or superstition. But many say religion helps give people meaning and purpose and that it can encourage people to treat each other well.
Takeaway: Don’t assume your religiously unaffiliated neighbors are actively opposed to your beliefs or your church. They’re much more likely to be ambivalent than antagonistic—to look at you with a mix of curiosity and respect than with disdain or hatred.
Scientific but Spiritual
The Nones place a high value on science, but most believe in God or a higher power (70 percent) or in spiritual forces beyond the natural world (63 percent). Only 17 percent identify as atheists. Half of those whose religion is “nothing in particular” maintain a belief in heaven, and 41 percent believe in hell. Nearly a quarter of all Nones believe in God, the human soul, the supernatural, and heaven and hell.
Yes, the Nones see themselves as more scientifically minded than their religious friends and neighbors, but they don’t necessarily believe science can explain everything about our world. About half say spirituality is very important to their lives. Most believe spirits and spiritual energies exist in the world, in nature, in animals, in the connections between humans, and so on. More than half engage in some type of spiritual practice (centering themselves, spending time in nature, meditating, exercising, or practicing yoga) as a means of connecting with something bigger than themselves.
Takeaway: I’m reminded of N. T. Wright’s illustration of secularism as a sidewalk with more and more cracks, through which patches of spirituality are irrepressibly pushing their way like the grass. We should welcome the spiritual interest of the Nones as a starting point for spiritual conversations.
No Religious Observance, but No Civic Involvement Either
Pew’s research shows most of the religiously unaffiliated Nones (excluding those who identify as atheist or agnostic) tend to be civically unengaged. This is an important point to consider as we see the decline of institutions, associations, and community involvement across the country.
The “nothing in particular” Nones are less likely to vote, less likely to volunteer their time, less likely to express satisfaction with their local communities, and less likely to say their social lives are going well. Seen in this light, the lack of religious observance coincides with a general disengagement from civic life altogether.
Takeaway: Many of the religiously unaffiliated likely feel they’re on their own. We can look for ways to tap into or give voice to the longing in the human heart for strong relationships, good institutions, and healthy communities.
Skeptical of Religious Teachings and Institutions
The main reason the Nones aren’t religious is that they question the teachings of organized faith. Sixty percent say their doubts about religious teachings are the primary reason for their unbelief. They’re religiously unaffiliated due to a mix of skepticism, unbelief, and, for a substantial minority, a dislike of religious organizations. Only 30 percent cite bad experiences with religious people, but 55 percent mention religious organizations or religious people as a reason they stay away.
Interestingly, about 4 in 10 Nones say they don’t feel a need for religion, and 12 percent say they don’t have time for religious observance.
Takeaway: Our witness matters. Are we the best neighbors? Are our churches contributing visibly to the common good? And if many friends and neighbors see no need for religion yet still maintain belief in God and some kind of spiritual practice, how can we get better at answering questions when doubts arise and demonstrating the link between a person’s longing for connection with God (expressed through a generic spirituality) and the Christian faith in all its fullness?
Much more could be unpacked from this Pew Research study on the Nones. But it gives us a glimpse of a significant and growing segment of our mission field in North America.
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