Nonreligious Are A Growing, Diverse Phenomenon

Ask Americans what their religion is, and nearly 1 in 3 say this — none. That’s according to the U.S. adults surveyed by The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research. They’re called the “nones” – not religious sisters, but N-O-N-E-S. Other surveys show they’ve been growing steadily for the past 30 years. Half of the nones call themselves atheists of agnostics, but another half just say they’re “nothing in particular.” Many believe in God, heaven, prayer, astrology, karma or reincarnation. But the nones really, really don’t like organized religion. They span class, gender, race, ethnicity and age. More than 4 in 10 young adults are nones. Researchers say that’s a sign they’ll continue to grow.