CNLP 624 | Ryan Burge On The Rise of the Nones, Christianity as a Luxury Good, The Threat To Democracy With the Decline in Religion, And Why The Nones Are Very Reachable
The rise of the nones, or those who profess no religion, poses a threat to democracy in America due to the decline of religious affiliation.
Religion is increasingly associated with higher education, middle-class incomes, and marriage with children, creating a division between the haves and have-nots.
The decrease in religious affiliation contributes to a broader erosion of trust, which impacts societal well-being, income inequality, and political polarization.
Deep dives
The Rise of the Nones
The percentage of Americans identifying as non-religious, including atheists, agnostics, and nothing in particular, has been steadily increasing since the 1990s. In 1972, it was just 5%, but by 2020, it had reached 30%. Among younger adults, the trend is even more pronounced, with over 40% of Generation Z identifying as non-religious. However, there is evidence to suggest that the growth has plateaued in recent years, indicating a potential hard ceiling for the nones. The rise of the nones has significant implications for societal trust, economic mobility, and political polarization.
Religion as a Luxury Good
Research has shown that religion has become increasingly associated with people who are highly educated, have middle-class incomes, and are married with children. The more education and income a person has, the more likely they are to attend church. This trend suggests a growing division between the haves and the have-nots, as those who are not part of this socio-economic group are more likely to be non-religious. This has implications for individual well-being, social cohesion, and economic and democratic participation.
The Decline of Civilization and the Erosion of Trust
The decrease in religious affiliation and participation in religious institutions has contributed to a broader erosion of trust in society. Trust, both interpersonal and institutional, is a crucial element for a functioning democracy and a cohesive society. The decline of trust and the loss of social connections through religious communities can have negative consequences for individuals and contribute to income inequality, political polarization, and social division. This erosion of trust highlights the need to address the social and cultural challenges of a changing religious landscape.
The Historical and Political Factors
The rise of the nones can be attributed to various factors, including the fallout from the Cold War, the impact of the internet, and the changing political landscape. The collapse of the Berlin Wall and the end of the Cold War allowed for greater societal acceptance of non-religious viewpoints, uncoupling atheism from communism. The internet has provided a platform for non-religious communities to connect and support each other. Additionally, the increasing polarization in American politics, particularly the alignment of Republicans with religious conservatism and Democrats with non-religion, has affected religious affiliation and identity.
Changing Perception of Nones
The growing population of religiously unaffiliated individuals, known as 'nones,' is no longer limited to young liberal Democrats or academics. The group now encompasses people from all walks of life and ethnic backgrounds, affecting every aspect of American society. While many nones may not engage in religious behavior or identify with a specific religion, a significant portion still consider religion important in their lives.
Churches Should Focus on Building Community
To counter the decline in church attendance and engagement, churches should shift their focus away from debating atheists and instead invest in building community and social connections. People are more likely to attend church and engage with religious activities if they have friends or connections within the church. Churches can dedicate a portion of their budget to organizing social events and creating opportunities for people to connect with one another. By providing a space for genuine relationships and social interaction, churches can offer something that appeals to nones who may have felt disconnected and lonely in the past.
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