A new study finds that many young Americans are walking away from organized religion—not because they’ve lost belief, but because their values around authenticity, justice, and individual autonomy conflict with the teachings and politics of religious institutions.

Over the past few decades, the number of Americans who identify as religiously unaffiliated—often referred to as “nones”—has grown rapidly. In the 1970s, only about 5% of Americans fell into this category. Today, that number exceeds 25%. Scholars have debated whether this change simply reflects a general decline in belief, or whether it signals something more complex. The research team wanted to explore the deeper forces at play: Why are people leaving institutional religion? What are they replacing it with? And how are their personal values shaping that process?

  • ByteOnBikes@discuss.onlineOPEnglish
    59·
    23 hours ago

    I support a few religious organizations through volunteer work.

    My rules for these organizations are simple:

    1. The religion takes a back seat to helping the community
    2. They’re not preachy or trying to convert people
    3. They don’t diddle little kids.

    You’d think it’ll be easy to meet that criteria.

    • FuglyDuck@lemmy.worldEnglish
      16·
      22 hours ago

      I’m curious which is more common a failing #3 or #2.

      most christian charity or aid orgs are mostly about that captive audience.

    • Ketram@lemmy.blahaj.zoneEnglish
      9·
      22 hours ago

      Only one I can think of is Unitarian Universalist for all 3. Maybe some sort of Buddhism? Though probably have broken #3 and are very big/organized.

        • Ketram@lemmy.blahaj.zoneEnglish
          2·
          21 hours ago

          Awesome! I just started going to a UU church again after a decade+ away…just as wholesome as I remember. Thank you for the volunteer work! You are amazing 😍

      • wetbeardhairs@lemmy.dbzer0.comEnglish
        6·
        22 hours ago

        Can unitarian universalist even be considered a religion? Isn’t it just a catch-all group for people to get together and worship in a more harmonious way?

        • snooggums@lemmy.worldEnglish
          5·
          21 hours ago

          They get together and practice, which counts as a religion even if they are kinda doing their own thing.

        • Ketram@lemmy.blahaj.zoneEnglish
          5·
          22 hours ago

          I mean they have 8 guiding principles but it’s a fair point. I feel like the term religion is used very loosely there, but I do wonder what religion that DOES have strong guiding tenents that isn’t at least mildly aggressive about them.

    • Snowclone@lemmy.worldEnglish
      4·
      19 hours ago

      Yeah I used to think ‘‘how do Catholics manage to keep going?’’ Then my church fought a lawsuit to get them to report child abuse, then bought insurance to buffer any financial loss they might incur while protecting child rapists. I feel like Jesus telling people that if they feel like hurting kids they should stop, take a deep breath, and commit suicide, kind of forbids this sort of behavior.