American ‘Nones’: More Skeptical Than Anti-Religious
American ‘Nones’: More Skeptical Than Anti-Religious
How Can We Reach the “Nones”? Non-religious Americans, or "Nones" presently make up 15 percent of the total adult U.S. population and the statistic is even higher among young people. They are skeptics, many of them coming from religious homes. What does this mean for us in Christian publishing? How can we reach them? —Linda Taylor
American 'Nones': More Skeptical Than Anti-Religious,
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October 7th, 2009 at 8:03 am
Currently as a minister I am working in two realms outside of traditional congregational settings – in an organic new church development project and group counseling for persons with addictions in a secular setting. During this past year, I’ve been keen in my observations of individuals that have shared a bit of their journey with me. Some grew up in traditional Christian settings but have turned away from their roots. I wonder if some of them might be part of the “none” group.
In particular I’ve noted that there are many persons that have been injured by the Church and are fearful or hesitant to return. Along with this, I have interacted with persons that observe individuals within Christian settings behaving badly and prefer to hold onto their own private beliefs rather than connect with a group that seems hypocritical to them.
Many persons are seeking connections to God and to one another. However, they long for more than what they’ve long viewed as a part of traditional church. It is my belief that these individuals are seeking wholenes. I believe that void could be filled by a small group Bible Study series that offered connection to ancient/future worship in an outdoor setting and that also allows for depth in relationship building. Christian publishing is currently at an incredible juncture – with some former traditional ways of reaching persons are becoming irrelevant to many. However, there are potentially unique ways of engaging individuals in connections to God and growing closer to one another that could change the lives of many individuals.
October 7th, 2009 at 12:12 pm
Very insightful. Thanks Yvonne. We have a responsibility to use the gifts and opportunities we have to reach those in need.