New Data on the "Nones"

There is some crazy new data procured by Ryan Burge, one of my favorite X follows, about the religious affiliation category called the "Nones".

The Nones are a group of people who have been fast growing over the past twenty years. They represent folks who are out on religion, people who do not claim affiliation with any religion. This is not atheist per se. Rather, these people are typically your spiritual but not religious types. People who can agree that there is a high probability that there is a God, but it is unlikely that the forms currently on offer are correct. They are Seekers, a group hungry to know truth yet feeling like current versions do not accurately describe the world they observe.

This has been an interesting grouping to watch explode in number, but…

The Nones are now declining in Gen X, Millennials, and Gen Z.

These data points reveal that religious activity is growing in America and that the younger populations are starting to view religion as not only essential but something to which they are willing to attach their identity.

Why are people suddenly more interested in religion?

I think there are a couple of things religion, specifically Christianity, does well that draw some of the current culture's interest:

1. The Church provides community and connection.

   Our society has more ways to connect, but it is still less connected than ever. Church is a regular meeting space where you can experience the comfort of communion and the joys of being deeply connected with others. 

2. Christianity shares a message of deep meaning.

   These same younger generations are experiencing alarmingly high rates of depression and anxiety. The story the world has sold them has led them to a life of medication, therapy, and loneliness. They are looking for a different story to be a part of. 

3. Christianity holds more shared values than first perceived.

   Many churches teach and actively bring positive change to the injustices in our current world system. Young people have seen a lot of social justice warriors, but the Church continues to steadily work for the poor, orphans, widows, and immigrants. 

Get ready for that revival all the church people are always talking about.

Do you know how many prayer meetings have begun and ended with how much America needs that old-fashioned revival? Well, it may have a new look and feel to it, but I think the prayers of the saints are being answered before our very eyes. The question is: Are churches ready for a large population of seeking young people?