The Changing Landscape of Christianity in America: A Look at the Rise of the “Nones” and the Making of Ex-Christian America
Christianity in America is currently facing a significant shift as society and culture continue to secularize. The rise of the “nones,” or those who identify as atheist, agnostic, or nothing in particular when it comes to religion, has been steadily increasing over the past few decades. This trend is particularly notable among younger adults, with five people switching towards no religion for every one person affiliating with a religion.
The United States is now more ex-Christian and post-Christian than ever before in its history, with roughly one-quarter of American adults, or 59 million people, falling into the category of “nones.” What is interesting is that only 30 percent of these nones were raised with no religious affiliation, while the rest, totaling about 41 million adults, identified with a religion earlier in life but eventually left it.
Sociologist and theologian Stephen Bullivant’s book, “Nonverts: The Making of Ex-Christian America,” sheds light on this phenomenon by providing insights into the experiences of Americans who have disaffiliated from their religious backgrounds. Bullivant’s book delves into the reasons behind this shift, exploring factors such as purity culture, hypocrisy, and political influences.
While the rise of the nones is often attributed to a rejection of conservative religious views, Bullivant argues that the changing landscape of American culture and society has played a significant role in this trend. He highlights the diverse beliefs and backgrounds of nones, showing that being religiously unaffiliated does not necessarily mean being entirely without faith.
Looking towards the future, Bullivant offers a realistic prognosis for Christianity in America, acknowledging the challenges posed by increasing secularization. He discusses various perspectives on how traditional Christians can navigate this changing landscape, pointing towards the idea of intentional community and living as a moral minority within a secular culture.
Overall, Bullivant’s book provides valuable insights into the shifting religious landscape in America and the experiences of those who have left their religious affiliations behind. It offers a thought-provoking look at the implications of this trend and raises important questions about the future of Christianity in the United States.