A 2023 Pew Research Center survey revealed that 28 percent of Americans check “none” when asked to identify their religious affiliation. That number was only 16 percent back in 2007.
The survey defines religious “nones” as those who describe themselves as “atheists, agnostics, or ‘nothing in particular’ when asked about their religion.” This group dissociates from organized religion, and some outright reject the notion of God.
Still, 71 percent of them believe in the existence of a higher power.
This goes to show that humans are spiritual beings by nature. Some may try to escape it, but the Bible says, God has “set eternity in the human heart” (Ecclesiastes 3:11 NIV).
We all long to connect with our Creator. He designed us this way. However, in a world where everyone is encouraged to pursue “your truth,” spiritual confusion and disillusionment abound.
How can we find our way and help others do the same?
“Nones” and Spirituality
Even though you’ll rarely find them sitting in a church pew, half of the “nones” think of themselves as spiritual, according to Pew Research Center. Instead, many spend time in nature, meditate, or practice yoga. Some even “own things (like jewelry, crystals or a home shrine) or have body markings or piercings for spiritual purposes.”
Things that are important to religious “nones” spiritual life include: “being connected with something bigger than myself, being connected with my ‘true self,’ and finding a set of beliefs I make for myself.” What’s concerning is that none of these things are clearly defined, leaving it up to the individual to forge their own spiritual path. In fact, a recent article described being spiritual as “choosing your own adventure.”
The Bible, on the other hand, clearly defines itself as God’s objective truth (Psalm 119:105; John 17:17). Nowhere in it are humans encouraged to forge their own path with a hodgepodge of spiritual practices of their own choosing. We are actually warned, “There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death” (Proverbs 14:12).
Unfortunately, the Pew Research Center survey found that the same non-biblical spiritual practices and attitudes common among religious “nones” are also present among many practicing Christians. Mixing the religious traditions and practices of surrounding nations with their religion always led the Israelites away from God, not to Him (Deuteronomy 12:29–31; 2 Chronicles 14–17). We shouldn’t expect different results today.
How can Christians help others find truth if we are just as mixed up?
“Nones” and the Church
So what drives “nones” to disconnect from religious organizations?
Many simply question the teachings of these organizations, says Pew Research Center. Honestly, who can blame them? There are about 10,000 different religions in the world, and approximately 45,000 Christian denominations. What’s confusing is that each one claims to have the “truth.”
The Pew Research Center cites that “nones” often dislike religious organizations due to negative experiences with them or the people associated with them. The Bible informs us that the Christian church itself contains members who often give it a bad reputation. Jesus said that until near the end of time, there would be both wheat and tares, or true and false believers in His church (Matthew 13:24–30). This means that there are church members who don’t really know Jesus or do not exemplify His love in their lives. They are actually working against the church’s mission to reach the world with the love of Jesus.
Despite this, is there a way we can attract this growing group of religious “nones” to our churches?
Sold Out for Truth
Many “nones” are likely open to organized religion, considering that 77 percent believe it can have both positive and negative effects, as opposed to 19 percent who view it in an entirely negative light, says Pew Research Center.
What is needed are faithful Christians who can introduce them to true Bible religion rather than confusing ideas and lifestyles that are little different from their current spiritual practices.
Jesus said, “The truth shall make you free” (John 8:32).
Here are a few questions we could each ask ourselves when it comes to our faith:
Do I clearly understand my religious beliefs, or do I only have a vague notion?
Do those beliefs align with the Bible, or are they based on man’s traditions?
Do I live a life consistent with my beliefs, or am I inconsistent?
Do I attract others with Jesus’ love, or do I repel them with a bad attitude?
If we want to reach the world with the gospel, we have to be radically committed to biblical truth. We can’t be half-hearted Christians who have a shallow understanding of Scripture.
We are called to preach the gospel as “witnesses” (Matthew 24:14), which means that others should be able to see its principles lived out in our lives of love. Additionally, we should know why we believe what we believe and “be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear” (1 Peter 3:15).
It’s hard work digging deep into the Word of God and then living by its principles without compromising. But that is what we’ve been called to do. And Jesus has promised, “I am with you always, even to the end of the age” (Matthew 28:20).
If more Christians followed our Lord’s marching orders, many of the religious “nones,” as well as others, would take note, and more of our organized churches would become attractive centers of community and mission.
Listen to Pastor Doug’s sermon You Might Be a Christian.