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?

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[–] [S] 72 points 1 year ago (14 children)

I support a few religious organizations through volunteer work.

My rules for these organizations are simple:

  1. The religion takes a back seat to helping the community
  2. They're not preachy or trying to convert people
  3. They don't diddle little kids.

You'd think it'll be easy to meet that criteria.

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  • [–] 23 points 1 year ago (2 children)

    How would you even know if #3 was true or not, it's not like they advertise it.

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  • [–] 10 points 1 year ago (5 children)

    Only one I can think of is Unitarian Universalist for all 3. Maybe some sort of Buddhism? Though probably have broken #3 and are very big/organized.

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  • [–] 7 points 1 year ago (2 children)

    Can unitarian universalist even be considered a religion? Isn't it just a catch-all group for people to get together and worship in a more harmonious way?

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  • [–] 6 points 1 year 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.

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  • [–] 4 points 1 year ago*

    Yeah I used to think ''how do Catholics manage to keep going?'' Then my church fought a lawsuit to get them to report child abuse, then bought insurance to buffer any financial loss they might incur while protecting child rapists. I feel like Jesus telling people that if they feel like hurting kids they should stop, take a deep breath, and commit suicide, kind of forbids this sort of behavior.

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