The Rise of America's Nonreligious: A Diverse and Disenchanted Phenomenon

The rise of the nones, a diverse group of individuals who identify as atheists, agnostics, or "nothing in particular," is reshaping America's religious landscape. Many nones reject organized religion, its leaders, and its politics. They span various demographics and often practice their own form of spirituality. While some embrace traditional religious beliefs, others find meaning in nature, astrology, or energy in crystals. The nones are well-represented in every age group, particularly among young adults. Scholars express concern about the loss of communal support as people distance themselves from congregations, but many nones are happy to find community elsewhere.