A new Pew Research survey confirms a trend that has been underway since the early 2000s: Religiously speaking, “nones” are now the largest single group in our country. 

Nones are those who are religiously unaffiliated.  They are comprised of atheists, agnostics, and those who say that their religion is “nothing in particular.”  This group now comprises 28% of the population; greater than Roman Catholics (23%), Evangelical Protestants (24%), and Mainline Protestants (14%).

For the record, most nones are not anti-religion.  Many believe in a “higher power” but don’t place a priority on that and do not pursue faith by attending religious services.  69% are under 50, 63% are white and most are male.  

Politically, this group tends to be very progressive but it is primarily the atheists and agnostics who are civically engaged.  The growing number of “nothing in particulars” tend not to vote.  Consequently, while Evangelical Protestants are seeing a recent decline in numbers and influence, the rising numbers of liberal nones do not necessarily translate into social or political influence.

I’ve always been fascinated by the nones.  I believe these are people who, in their hearts, are searching.  I think that they have found most Christian settings to be judgmental so they prefer to keep their beliefs to themselves and set their moral compasses by logic, science, and common sense kindness.

I am confident that nones would find a home at First Congregational Church and in the United Church of Christ.  That’s because we actively practice non-judgmentalism and welcome questioning and doubt.  We do not rely on everyone believing exactly the same thing.  In fact, it is our contention that we only evolve spiritually in the midst of different points of view.  

Yes, we are decidedly Christian but ours is a very elastic Christianity.  We draw the line at hatred and bigotry, not at questions of Jesus, divinity, and community building.  We grow by sharing the diverse ways that God is revealed in each person’s life; even when that revelation is very different from our own.

If you or someone you know is spiritually searching, I invite you to come find out more about First Congregational Church.

See you in church,

–Rev. Dominic