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?

  • bpalmerau@aussie.zoneEnglish
    1·
    1 month ago

    Ok, we can restate it. If your religion leads you to hate, you aren’t on the side of good, you’re on the side of bad?

    • MouldyCat@feddit.ukEnglish
      01·
      1 month ago

      alright, but is the world really as black and white as that? Is there really a clear Good Side, and a clear Bad Side?

      • Tinks@lemmy.worldEnglish
        1·
        1 month ago

        If your religion leads you to hate, the religion and its followers are bad. The end.

      • bpalmerau@aussie.zoneEnglish
        1·
        1 month ago

        Religious people seem to think so. But we can restate again: If your religion leads you to hate, your religion may cause you to act unethically.