Believer’s Community News

RELIGIOUS ‘NONES’ ARE NOW THE LARGEST SINGLE GROUP IN THE U.S.

When Americans are asked to check a box indicating their religious affiliation, 28% now check “none.”

A new study from Pew Research finds that the religiously unaffiliated–a group comprised of atheists, agnostic, and those who say their religion is “nothing in particular”–is now the largest cohort in the U.S. They’re more prevalent among American adults than Catholics (23%) or evangelical Protestants (24%).

Researchers refer to this group as the “Nones.” Back in 2007, “nones” made up just 16% of Americans, but Pew’s new survey of more than 3,300 U.S. adults shows that number has now risen dramatically. Pew asked respondents what, if anything, they believe, and research shows that “nones”are not a uniform group.

Very few “nones” attend any kind of religious service; however, many claim to believe in God or another higher power. “Nones”aren’t all anti-religious. Many say religion does some harm, but many also think it does some good. Most “nones” have a positive view of science, but they reject the idea that science can explain everything.

“Nones” could also prove to be an important political group as Gregory Smith, a lead researcher on the study, says. “Religious ‘nones’ are very distinctive, among the most strongly and consistently liberal and Democratic constituencies in the United States.”

Smith points out that “nones” are also less civically engaged than those who identify with a religion–they’re less likely to vote. Within the “nones,” however, atheists and agnostics are more likely to be politically and civically engaged, whereas those who responded that their religion is “nothing in particular” are far less likely to vote.

Pew also found that, overall, “nones” are less likely to volunteer in their local communities than religiously-affiliated adults.The survey also found that this group is less satisfied with their local communities and social lives than religious people.

While many people of faith say they rely on Scripture, tradition, and the guidance of religious leaders to make moral decisions, Pew found that “nones” say they’re guided by logic, avoid harm, and desire to avoid hurting people when making moral decisions.

“Nones” tend to be young, white, and male. 69% are under the age of 50. Similar studies by Pew and other groups such as the Public Religion Research Institute have found that people of color are far more likely to say religion is important in their lives.

At first glance,“nones” appear to be evenly divided by gender. But digging deeper into the data shows that men are significantly more likely to say they’re atheist or agnostic whereas women are more likely to describe their religion as “nothing in particular.” Smith says that’s consistent with other research as well, which shows women tend to be more religious on average than men.

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