Why people quit religion, with Daryl Van Tongeren, PhD
Oct 23, 2024
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Daryl Van Tongeren, a psychology professor and author of "Done: How to Flourish After Leaving Religion," dives deep into the rising trend of people departing from traditional faiths in America. He explores the psychological motivations behind this shift and the challenges faced by those re-evaluating their identity. The conversation sheds light on how individuals can find meaning and navigate spirituality outside organized religion, along with the intriguing role of psychedelics in contemporary spiritual exploration.
The significant rise in non-religious identification highlights a cultural shift, particularly among younger generations, away from traditional religious practices.
Individuals leaving religion face unique social and existential challenges, requiring them to reconstruct their identities and find new sources of meaning.
Deep dives
Decline of Religious Affiliation in the U.S.
The percentage of Americans identifying as non-religious has significantly increased, with a Gallup poll indicating that it grew from 5% to 22% since 1973. The data suggests that the decline is particularly pronounced among younger generations, with predictions indicating that by 2070, Christianity may no longer be the majority religion in the U.S. This trend highlights societal shifts and changing values regarding religious practices. Furthermore, approximately one in three individuals raised in Christian households are expected to abandon their faith by their thirtieth birthday.
Factors Leading to Departure from Religion
Four primary reasons have been identified as driving individuals away from religious institutions. The first reason is cultural stagnation, where personal values conflict with the views upheld by religious organizations, particularly on issues like LGBTQ+ rights. Second, experiences of abuse or trauma within religious settings can lead individuals to abandon their faith, especially if they perceive hypocrisy among leaders. Additionally, the inability of religious frameworks to adequately address personal suffering contributes to this trend, followed by a reluctance to associate with the evolving sociopolitical connotations tied to the term 'religious,' especially post-2016.
Challenges Faced by Formerly Religious Individuals
Individuals transitioning away from religion encounter various challenges, including a decrease in the perceived meaning of life. This decline in meaning can be exacerbated by the emotional residue that lingers after leaving religious communities, often manifesting as a struggle to form new identities. Additionally, former adherents frequently face tensions in relationships with family and friends who remain religious, making the process of detaching from their former beliefs socially complex. Coping with these challenges requires navigating the loss of community and restructuring one’s identity outside of a religious context.
Constructing Meaning Beyond Traditional Religion
As people distance themselves from organized religion, many seek to build new forms of spirituality and community. This can involve embracing a variety of activities that inspire awe or connection, such as engaging with nature, participating in social justice initiatives, or exploring personal integrity and authenticity. Furthermore, there is an emerging interest in spiritual experiences that do not hinge on traditional religious beliefs, including the potential role of psychedelics in facilitating connections to a sense of the transcendent. These pursuits underscore a shift toward finding meaning through individual and collective experiences rather than through conventional religious structures.
Over the past few decades the U.S. has become an increasingly less religious country, and many people who grew up with religion have chosen to leave the faith they were raised in. Daryl Van Tongeren, PhD, author of “Done: How to Flourish after Leaving Religion,” talks about the changing religious landscape in the U.S.; what’s driving these religious “dones”; the spiritual, social and other challenges they face; and how people rebuild meaning in life after leaving religion.