The share of Americans who say they are not affiliated with any religion decreased by 3 percentage points in 2023, according to new data from the Pew Research Center. It was also found that more than two-thirds of those with no religion said they believed in a religion, despite their identity. In God or a higher power.
Data released this week shows that the percentage of U.S. adults who identify as atheist, agnostic, or “nothing special” has fallen from a record high of 31% in 2022 to 28% in 2023.
The rise of “non-sectarianism” may be over, but it's too early to tell, Pugh said.
“In two of the last five years, we've had readings above 28 percent,” Pugh said online. analysis. “For 2022, our estimate of 31 percent was three percentage points higher, while the 29 percent recorded in 2021 was just one point higher. We have not found a reading lower than 28 percent in the past five years. …Soon, more data will become available and we will see whether the 2023 forecast marks a turning point for “zero” companies or just a blip on the way to continued growth. You will be able to judge whether it is true or not. ”
Among Americans in this “atheist” category, 17 percent identify as atheist, 20 percent as agnostic, and 63 percent as nothing specific.
Additionally, 69 percent of those indifferent say they believe in the God of the Bible or a higher power (13 percent say they believe in the God described in the Bible, and 56 percent say they believe in an undefined God). (says he believes in a higher power).
“Only 29 percent of people deny the idea that there is a higher or spiritual power in the universe. But today, they tend to be disconnected from religion,” Pugh said. “Not only have they shed their religious labels, but they have also largely shed their association with churches, synagogues, mosques, and other religious organizations.”
Approximately 90% of those who answered “no” said they rarely or never attend religious services.
Meanwhile, people who do nothing are less likely to volunteer or vote, with 17% of them saying they volunteered in the past year (compared to 27% of religious workers) and 39% of them saying they volunteered in the past year, according to the Pew survey. Percentage of religious Americans who say they voted in 2022 (compared to 2051).
“Low levels of civic engagement tend to be found not among atheists or agnostics, but especially among 'apathetics', who describe their religion as 'nothing special,'” Pew said. Stated. “For example, we found that atheists and agnostics voted in 2022 at rates comparable to those seen among religiously engaged adults. Describing their religion as 'nothing in particular' Among those who did nothing in particular, people were the only ones who had a lower turnout rate than those who were religiously affiliated. ”
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Michael Faust has covered the intersection of faith and news for 20 years. His story was published in Baptist Press. Christianity Today, Christian Poecent, of leaf chronicle, of toronto star and of knoxville news sentinel.
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