In recent years, the United States has witnessed a significant shift in its religious landscape, with the religiously unaffiliated—often referred to as the “nones”—emerging as the fastest-growing group in the country. According to a 2024 Pew Research Center study, 28% of U.S. adults now identify as religiously unaffiliated, a group that includes atheists, agnostics, and those who describe their religion as “nothing in particular.” This marks a dramatic rise from 16% in 2007, making the “nones” a larger cohort than Catholics (23%) or evangelical Protestants (24%). So, why is the “Church of None” becoming America’s fastest-growing religion? This article explores the key factors driving this trend and what it means for the future of faith in the U.S.

The Rise of the Religiously Unaffiliated

The term “nones” refers to individuals who, when asked about their religious identity, select atheist, agnostic, or “nothing in particular.” Pew Research data shows that this group has grown steadily over the past few decades, with a notable acceleration since the 1990s. By 2023, the religiously unaffiliated accounted for 28% of the U.S. adult population, with 17% identifying as atheists, 20% as agnostics, and 63% as “nothing in particular.” This growth is particularly pronounced among younger generations, with 38% of adults under 30 identifying as nones in 2020.

The decline in traditional religious affiliation is largely driven by generational replacement. Younger Americans, including Millennials and Gen Z, are far less likely to identify with organized religion than their parents or grandparents. For example, in 1986, only 10% of adults under 30 were unaffiliated, but by 2020, this figure had surged to 36%. This shift reflects a broader cultural move toward secularism, with many Americans rejecting the religious institutions of their upbringing.

Why Are Americans Leaving Organized Religion?

Several factors contribute to the rise of the “Church of None.” Here are the key reasons behind this growing trend:

1. Skepticism of Religious Teachings

Many nones cite skepticism about religious doctrines as a primary reason for disaffiliating. According to Pew Research, two-thirds of nones say they question religious teachings or do not believe in God. This skepticism is particularly strong among younger Americans, who are more likely to prioritize logic and reason over traditional beliefs. The rise of access to information via the internet and social media has also exposed people to diverse perspectives, encouraging critical examination of religious narratives.

2. Disapproval of Religious Institutions

High-profile scandals, such as clergy sexual abuse in the Catholic Church and Southern Baptist Convention, have eroded trust in religious institutions. Additionally, many Americans perceive religious organizations as overly focused on money, power, or political agendas. A 2023 PRRI survey found that 20% of unaffiliated Americans cited their church’s political involvement as a reason for leaving, while 31% mentioned clergy abuse scandals. These issues have particularly alienated younger generations, who value authenticity and transparency.

3. Cultural Shifts Toward Individual Autonomy

The rise of the nones aligns with a broader societal trend toward individual autonomy. Sociologist Jörg Stolz argues that people increasingly reject being told what to believe or how to behave, especially by institutions they view as lacking moral authority. This desire for personal freedom has led many to forge their own spiritual paths, often through practices like meditation, yoga, or nature-based spirituality, rather than adhering to organized religion.

4. Opposition to Anti-LGBTQ+ Stances

A significant factor driving disaffiliation, especially among younger Americans, is the perception that many religious institutions hold anti-LGBTQ+ views. A 2023 PRRI survey noted that 60% of unaffiliated Americans under 30 cited the treatment of LGBTQ+ individuals as a reason for leaving organized religion. As societal acceptance of diverse identities grows, religious institutions that maintain conservative stances risk alienating younger generations.

5. Mental Health Concerns

Mental health has emerged as a notable factor in religious disaffiliation. According to PRRI, 32% of nones in 2023 mentioned mental health challenges as a reason for leaving their childhood faith. For some, religious teachings or community expectations may contribute to feelings of guilt, anxiety, or alienation, prompting them to seek alternative sources of meaning and support.

Who Are the ‘Nones’?

The religiously unaffiliated are a diverse group, defying the stereotype of being uniformly anti-religious. Pew Research reveals that 68% of nones believe in God or a higher power, and 21% pray daily. Additionally, 58% report feeling a deep connection with nature, and 37% identify as “spiritual but not religious.” This suggests that many nones are not rejecting spirituality outright but are instead seeking personalized ways to explore it.

Demographically, nones tend to be younger, more liberal, and less civically engaged than their religiously affiliated counterparts. They are also more likely to support progressive policies, such as legal abortion (72%) and same-sex marriage (73%). However, the “nothing in particular” subgroup, which makes up the majority of nones, is less politically active than atheists or agnostics, with lower voter turnout rates.

The Impact of the ‘Church of None’

The rise of the nones has significant implications for American society, politics, and culture:

• Political Influence: Nones are among the most consistently liberal and Democratic-leaning groups in the U.S., with 63% of religiously unaffiliated registered voters identifying as Democrats or leaning Democratic. As their numbers grow, they could reshape electoral politics, particularly as younger, more progressive nones become a larger share of the electorate.
• Decline of Traditional Institutions: The growth of nones has coincided with declining church attendance and membership. For example, Gallup data shows that church membership has dropped from 70% in 1999 to 47% in 2020. This trend challenges religious institutions to adapt to retain members and attract new ones.
• New Forms of Spirituality: Many nones are creating alternative spiritual communities, such as atheist groups providing social services or gatherings focused on meditation and wellness. These “churches for the nones” reflect a desire for community and meaning without the constraints of organized religion.

Is the Rise of the Nones Permanent?

While the growth of the religiously unaffiliated has been steady, recent data suggests it may be slowing. Pew Research’s 2023-24 Religious Landscape Study indicates that the share of nones has stabilized at around 28-29% since 2019, with some fluctuations. This raises the question of whether the rise of the nones has plateaued or if it will continue at a slower pace. Long-term trends suggest that generational differences and ongoing cultural shifts will likely sustain the growth of the nones, even if at a reduced rate.

What’s Next for America’s Religious Landscape?

The rise of the “Church of None” reflects a profound transformation in how Americans approach faith, spirituality, and community. As younger generations prioritize personal autonomy, inclusivity, and skepticism of institutional authority, traditional religious institutions face the challenge of adapting to a changing cultural landscape. Meanwhile, the nones are redefining spirituality on their own terms, blending belief in higher powers with secular practices and progressive values.

For religious leaders, the growth of the nones presents both a challenge and an opportunity. Engaging this group will require addressing their concerns about institutional trust, political involvement, and inclusivity. For society, the rise of the nones signals a shift toward a more diverse, individualized approach to meaning-making—one that may resha