In recent years, the term “nones” has emerged as a significant category in discussions about religion and spirituality in America. Elizabeth Drescher, through her research, offers a comprehensive understanding of the spiritual lives of America’s nones. She uncovers a variety of labels and self-descriptions claimed by hundreds of interviewees, illuminating the depth and diversity of this population.
The Spectrum of Belief and Unbelief
One of the key insights from Drescher’s work is the range of beliefs and orientations that fall under the umbrella of “nones.” These include:
Atheists: Individuals who do not believe in a supernatural transcendent being or force governing the universe.
Weak or Soft Agnostics: Those who have persistent doubts about the existence of a supernatural transcendent being or force but are not entirely closed to the idea and are interested in exploring the possibility.
Strong or Hard Agnostics: Individuals who believe it is impossible for anyone to know whether there is a supernatural transcendent being or force and are not particularly interested in exploring the question further.
Secular Humanists: People influenced by Enlightenment humanist ideas that emphasize the essential goodness of people and the use of human reason guided by scientific knowledge for the betterment of humanity. They might believe in a supernatural being, but often lean towards agnostic or deist views, seeing a distant deity that isn’t actively involved in human affairs.
Humanists: Similar to secular humanists but are less interested in the political aspects of secularity, concentrating more on extra-religious projects that enhance human well-being.
Spiritual but Not Religious
The category of “spiritual but not religious” (SBNR) also encompasses a variety of beliefs and practices. These individuals generally believe in some form of a supernatural transcendent being or force and are likely to take up various practices from traditional religions and metaphysical teachings. However, they typically avoid sustained engagement with institutional religious organizations, doctrine, or dogma.
Drescher further identifies:
Neo-Pagans or Wiccans: Participants in widely varied adaptations of ancient and post-modern traditions, often outside Christian and other Western religious traditions. They are typically polytheistic in belief and strongly influenced by environmental and feminist ideologies.
Nothing in Particular: Individuals who do not rule out the possibility of a supernatural transcendent being. They may engage in various spiritual practices but are wary of labels and narrow classifications of religious or spiritual identity.
All of the Above: Those who see existential meaning-making as a journey through different phases of spiritual, religious, or non-religious self-understanding, with changes in their level of affiliation, exploration, and sometimes indifference to religion.
None or None of the Above: Individuals who answer “none” or “none of the above” when asked about religious preference, affiliation, or identity.
The Role of Choice in Religion
Crystal Manning, in her book “Losing Our Religion: How Unaffiliated Parents Are Raising Their Children,” emphasizes that most Americans believe religion should be a choice. Our choices are shaped by how options are presented, our familiarity with those options, and the associations we make with them. This perspective aligns with the diverse expressions of spirituality and religion among the nones.
Spiritual Caregiving for the Nones
In “Spiritual Caregiving and Assessments for America’s Religious Nones: A Chaplaincy Perspective,” it is noted that nones and agnostics share universal human concerns about holding out hope, finding meaning, and having a purpose. Effective spiritual caregiving involves holding space for one another, listening without judgment, and providing opportunities for reflection. This approach emphasizes the importance of making individuals feel safe, which is paramount to healing.
Furthermore, spiritual caregiving can occur without imposing religion or beliefs. Meeting individuals where they are in their spiritual journey can help bring about a sense of peace. Drescher lists several qualities of spiritual meaningful practices described by the nones she interviewed:
Relational and Emphasizing Connectedness: These practices often foster a sense of community and deep interpersonal connections.
Integrated into Everyday Experiences and Places: Spiritual practices are frequently embedded in daily routines instead of being restricted to specific religious contexts.
Transformational: Spiritual practices can evolve based on new experiences and life stages.
Drawing from Various Philosophies and Wisdom Traditions: Nones often incorporate diverse teachings and philosophies into their spiritual practices.
Focusing on Authentic Experiences that Connect with the Here and Now: There is an emphasis on genuine, present-moment experiences rather than abstract doctrines.
The Intersection of Religion and Social Dynamics
Christian pastors and ministries have taken note of the growing number of nones and have made it their mission to convert them. In his book “The Nones: Where They Came From, Who They Are, and Where They Are Going,” Ryan Burge provides a detailed analysis of this group. He notes that nothing-in-particulars are the largest subgroup within the nones and share little in common with atheists or agnostics.
Burge’s findings highlight several characteristics of nothing-in-particulars:
Gender Distribution: Reflects that of the United States as a whole.
Educational Attainment and Income Levels: Generally have lower levels of educational attainment and below-average incomes.
Social and Political Isolation: Less likely to attend rallies, political meetings, or participate in community activities like giving blood.
Proximity to Religion: A minority attend church at least once a month, and a significant portion do not consider religion important.
Growth and Struggles: Represent the fastest-growing religious group in the United States, with notable economic challenges and social isolation.
Challenging the Narrative
Despite the insights provided by Burge, some of his conclusions have sparked frustration and debate. For instance, his suggestion that nothing-in-particulars might benefit from joining religious communities raises questions about the true motivations and potential outcomes of such affiliations.
It’s essential to recognize that being receptive to faith does not necessarily mean being open to organized religion. While there may be social benefits to being part of a religious community, the economic benefits are less clear. The notion that religious membership could increase income seems overly simplistic and ignores the broader systemic issues at play.
Additionally, the idea of reversing the growth of the nones is problematic. This perspective prioritizes the needs of religious institutions over the lived experiences and choices of individuals. Instead of trying to convert nones, communities should focus on meeting people where they are, addressing their practical needs, and fostering inclusive, supportive environments.
A Call for Empathy and Understanding
Ultimately, understanding the diversity of the nones requires empathy and a willingness to engage with different perspectives. Whether someone identifies as atheist, agnostic, spiritual but not religious, or any other label, their beliefs and practices are valid expressions of their search for meaning and connection.