In US, 20 percent now say ‘no religion’

[cbayer]

http://www.futurity.org/society-culture/in-us-20-percent-now-say-‘no-religion’/

UC BERKELEY / DUKE (US) — Last year, one in five Americans claimed no religious preference—more than double the number reported in 1990.


The study's authors are careful to distinguish the survey category of "no religion," which means individuals who are not part of an organized religion, from "atheists," who do not believe in God and made up just 3 percent of those interviewed last year. Just 8 percent of those surveyed said they were raised with no religion. (Credit: Eddie Does Japan/Flickr)

Religious affiliation in the United States is at its lowest point since it began to be tracked in the 1930s, according to recent analysis of newly released survey data.

The researchers analyzed data on religious attitudes as part of the General Social Survey, a highly cited biannual poll conducted by NORC, an independent research institute at the University of Chicago.

Results of the survey—which looked at numerous issues, including attitudes about gun ownership and how tax dollars should be spent, and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation—are being released now and in coming weeks.

On American attitudes toward religion, researchers found that 20 percent of a nationally representative group reported no religious preference. That’s a jump from 1990 when all but 8 percent of Americans polled identified with an organized faith.

More at link.

Original study here: http://issi.berkeley.edu/sites/default/files/shared/docs/Hout%20et%20al_No%20Relig%20Pref%202012_Release%20Mar%202013.pdf

[valerief]

1. Just imagine how many more are non-believers but are too chicken to admit it. nt

[cbayer]

2. Agree. I think that people are feeling increasingly comfortable identifying

as atheist, but there are still reasons that one might not.

[rrneck]

3. The marketplace of ideas is very competitive.

And some religions have cheerleaders.

[cbayer]

4. I'm not sure what you mean by cheerleaders.

[rrneck]

5. Football is as much a religion as any other.

And you can drink beer in church.

[cbayer]

6. Ah, I see what you are saying.

I'm not sure how much role competing organizations play in this trend, but you could be right.