My spiritual upbringing likely mimicked many of those raised within any organized religion. A laundry list of tenants underlying a binary premise—‘sinner’ and ‘saint’, ‘right’ and ‘wrong’, ‘left-wing’ and ‘right-wing’, with very little room for grace or nuance if you were outside the institution.

I often labeled concepts that contradicted our religious doctrines, as inherently malevolent. Later in life, I realized that such rigid worldviews often foster fear of perceived differences, creating an environment where unity feels not only unattainable but undesirable. However, I also discovered that the hearts of the truly faithful people I met, were the opposite of this—filled with deep compassion and love.

In the present day, I’m a spiritual minister who’s left the heavy lifting of judgment to a Higher power, and apparently, I’m not alone in my thinking:

According to a 2024 PEW study, more people have begun to question these traditional narratives, openly expressing a perspective beyond the black-and-white spectrum of ‘normalcy’ the world has created for us. They are being called spiritual or religious ‘nones’—now the biggest cohort in the Nation at 28%, above Catholics (23%) and Protestants (24%). The largest majority identify as spiritual but not religious. This shift speaks volumes about the evolving values and priorities of our shifting Nation, and its implications are far-reaching, affecting everything from politics to social norms.

Who are the Nones?

These individuals describe themselves as ‘nothing in particular’ (63%), Agnostic (20%), and Atheist (17%). The majority hold a belief in a higher power but reject the dogmas and doctrines associated with organized religion. 60% say that doubt over religious teachings is their main reason for being non-religious. They are a younger, more liberal, and progressive demographic than their religious counterparts --more likely to advocate for policies that emphasize social justice, environmental sustainability, and individual rights. Those with some belief in God or a higher power are being called ‘spiritual’ or ‘religious‘nones.

They also have a notable influence on electoral outcomes. For example, in the 2020 presidential election, 71% of religiously unaffiliated voters supported Joe Biden, while only 25% supported Donald Trump. As their numbers grow, religious nones are becoming an increasingly important constituency that political parties cannot afford to ignore.

The Uniting Power of Belief

The power of belief in communities is multifaceted— influencing social cohesion, mutual support, conflict resolution, psychological well-being, and economic development. Belief systems, whether religious, cultural, or philosophical, provide a framework for communal life that fosters resilience, solidarity, and a sense of shared destiny.

As we navigate this new course of spiritual and religious understanding, leaving behind long-held belief systems, spiritual paradigms, and communities, feelings of anxiety, frustration, disconnection, and longing are inevitable. However, this sacrifice creates space for new conversations and paradigms to emerge.

We are already witnessing this shift, as the decline in traditional religious communities, particularly within Christian faiths, is prompting introspection and adaptation from their institutions. These organizations recognize that reevaluation is necessary, or they risk being replaced by new social systems that are inclusive and adaptable to contemporary realities.

The implications of more groups adopting a mindset that values diversity over divisiveness are favorable, but we know old habits die hard. Embracing new ideas can be challenging for institutions that have been empowered by longstanding traditions for centuries. However, even the most powerful empires have fallen.

Where are We going from Here?

There are those who believe this is a sign of the trends of individualism and secularism in our Nation, just another verifiable way to show that America is going to hell in a handbasket. But I’d like to posit that this may mean just the opposite.

Over 70% of Americans say they believe in ‘something’. I believe this data further indicates humanity's growing unwillingness to conform to the indoctrinated biases of particular ways of being. We are recognizing that embracing nuance can be a strength rather than a weakness.

Religious affiliation was once seen as a badge of normalcy and a prerequisite for acceptance in society. The fact that we have reached a critical mass of people who no longer feel obligated to conform to this speaks volumes. Yes, there are some who would love to maintain the status quo, but I believe a larger group is awakening to the greater potential in this new consciousness. People are looking for more than ancient, disjointed, rewritten concepts that limit and disregard the majestic variance that is humanity.

If you recognize yourself as a spiritual none, my hope is that you find a place where you know you belong.

It may be in the spiritual home you're in currently, or it may look completely different.

Maybe, what you need, you have to start.

You don’t have to shrink to fit into rooms that can’t feed you.

A future is rising where we are not limited by the constraints of antiquated ideals but guided by the understandings of our hearts.

God is there.

Know that you are not alone, the Spiritual 'nones' are rising, and we have work to do.

The Spiritual Nones Revolution: A Rise in the Normalcy of Not Belonging