An Oct. 9, 2012 Pew Report shows that "Nones" are on the Rise. The number of Americans who do not identify with any religion has grown to one-fifth of the total U.S. public and one-third of adults under 30.
In the last five years, the religiously unaffiliated has increased from just over 15 percent to just under 20 percent among all U.S. adults, with more than 13 million self-described atheists and agnostics, representing around 6 percent of the U.S. public. Nearly 33 million people say they have no particular religious affiliation.
The findings of the joint survey conducted by Pew Research Center's Forum on Religion & Public Life and Religion & Ethics NewsWeekly show that the majority unaffiliated adults ARE religious or spiritual in some way with 68 percent saying they believe in God and 58 percent reporting they feel a "deep connection with nature and earth." A little more than a third classify themselves as “spiritual” but not “religious” (37 percent), and (21 percent) admit to daily prayer.
While the study found a 4.3 percent rise in those listed as "unaffiliated" since 2007, it found that the Protestant population has shrunk by -5 percent. Big factors in the shift seem to be generational replacement and lack of commitment to religion.
The survey found that most of those who are unaffiliated readily admit they are not looking for a religion that "would be right for them" and think that "religious organizations are too concerned with money and power, too focused on rules and too involved in politics."
Interestingly, the report shows that aside from possible eternal implications, there is also a "party line" divide.
Today, the religiously unaffiliated are clearly more numerous than any of these groups within the Democratic coalition (24 percent unaffiliated, 16 percent black Protestant, 14 percent white mainline Protestant, 13 percent white Catholic). By contrast, Republican and Republican-leaning registered voters are only slightly more likely to be religiously unaffiliated today than they were in 2007 (11 percent vs. 9 percent).
Surprised?
The study is extensive with a generous cross-section of demographics used to arrive at its conclusions. But beyond the interesting statistics, what do you think is the reason for the rise in those unaffiliated? Are you among the unaffiliated? Is there anything the Protestant churches can do to make a significant impact? Do you think this is another statistic that will factor into the Presidential election?
I have to wonder what makes people fear Christians or believers? I mean seriously, a believer has the Bible as their life structure to go by. Do unto others and believe in God, what could be easier? Yet we get bombarded with "take that manger scene out of your yard" "don't wish me a Merry Christmas" "your not allowed to pray" "I got cancer where was your God then" "you go to church, I heard you say a cuss word" "your a bigot, a Bible thumper, a homophobe, a racist" It's not easy being a Christian these days so I have to wonder if your numbers are accurate or if some of these good people are "closet Christians" Closet Christians. When the owner of Chick Fil A made his comment on gay marriage I wondered where the Christians were, why didn't they back him up, where were the pastors, the pew sitters? Where were they? Then I heard Christians were going to Chick Fil A to show support, I decided to go thinking I would be the only one there. The line of cars was all the way down the road on to highway 78. There they were, the pastors and the pew sitters. Quiet, orderly, but making a statement. We are here, more than you'd like to believe. In Christ Diana
Until last week I refused to even think about voting. I will vote for Romney for one reason, his stand on abortion. If I was not there when the deed was done why should my taxes pay for it and why should I as a Christian be forced to take a part in the killing of a child. Your mistake, you pay for it - it should be between you, your doctor and your conscience.
Irene - my friend is Jewish, raised Jewish and married Jewish. Christians are taught to support the Jewish people and for the most part we follow the ten commandments. Note Obama is not Jewish friendly. As for calling me a liar over the manger scene you must not get out much or since your not Christian it doesn't concern you. Watch how this thread goes.