The Growing Nones
Are you aware of a trendy term applied to souls who proclaim to have no religious affiliations? The Nones? While Nones often say they identify with some kind of higher-power they shun historical big-box systems (religions, faiths, etc.). According to a growing body of research Nones are growing — quickly! (Try googling Nones to explore some Nones facts and figures.)
One search result caught my eye. Specifically? Mark L. Movsesian’s book review of Nonverts: The Making of Ex-Christian America by Stephen Bullivant. Professor Movsesian’s review — most insightful. Well rounded. Prescient as well?
Professor Movsesian highlights Professor Bullivant’s observation:
If current trends continue, American religion will be polarized between very committed believers and people who reject organized religion entirely. That’s not a recipe for a harmonious society.
Does Professor Bullivant’s hypothesis feel all to familiar? Given our current state of affairs we’re far from experiencing harmonious relationships on more issues than ever. Religious beliefs continue to rust the very harmony they seek and preach.
Ready to shake-up your beliefs, truths, indoctrinations concerning religion with three questions?
First question: what’s your gut level intuition coming up with on the percentage of United States of America citizens doing their best to reclaim / revive their Puritan roots? 50%? 10%? Does your percentage mirror what you sense represents your family / friends beliefs. For example? If you believe half of the USA is leaning into / living puritanical lives then at least half your circle of family and friends favor a conservative life.
Second question: in your opinion, has the USA ever complied with the Establishment Clause and Free Exercise Clause of the First Amendment to the United States Constitution? (The separation of church and state clause.)
Third question: will the rise of Nones increase the likelihood of another USA coast-to-coast civil war?
As you ponder answers to the above questions, I invite you to consider an old cliché: history is our teacher.
- If yes (history is a teacher), what kind of students (if any) are we? How many times do we (as a collective society) need to retake lessons before we learn that lesson?
- If no (we don’t learn from history) then what purpose does history — serve? For those who recall the words of wisdom attributed to George Santayana:
Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.
Just how condemned is our species? Do we need to experience one more mass extinction to break human-made fevers to include fanaticism, greed and poverty?
Or are we at the brink of a None inspired Renaissance wise enough to learn from our past — enough to cap centuries of repetitive lessons.
Are we at a point where enough conscious beings recognize the value of defending another’s right to live a life they believe is best for them - WHILE SIMULTANEOUSLY recognizing and respecting boundaries.
In other words?
A consensus such that : I’m happy to fight for your rights — UNTIL — you FIGHT to end my rights. When you decide your way of living life is right. My way of living life is wrong. My support for you? None!
Are Nones on the front lines of dissolving human-made lines? As religion fades will the remaining faith-based systems grow more afraid they’ll loose centuries old methods of control? Will this perceived loss of control result in such extremes that an age old solution will be recycled?
Are we doomed to repeat 16th–18th century European holy wars?
Some questions to ponder. Responses? Rock on. The more responses — the more we learn and grow.
