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?

  • Ketram@lemmy.blahaj.zoneEnglish
    5·
    12 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.