Unaffiliated/Atheism

The number of religious ‘nones’ has soared, but not the number of atheists – and as social scientists, we wanted to know why

By Christopher P. Scheitle and Katie Corcoran — May 6, 2024
(The Conversation) — Social factors, from wealth to politics, may shape whether people who do not believe in God identify as an atheist.
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Religious affairs expert Thomas Bowen moves from city of Washington to White House

By Adelle M. Banks — March 22, 2024
WASHINGTON (RNS) — While shifting to national and international issues, he will still be acting as a clergyperson in the city that he has long served.

African spiritualities are attracting Black Americans as a source of pride and identity

By Fiona André — March 21, 2024
(RNS) — Ancestral veneration, Haitian Vodou, Brazilian Candomblé, Cuban Santería and Ifá have gained attention among Black adults, who see it as an occasion to reconnect with their heritage and celebrate their Blackness.

Poll: Most Americans say religion’s influence is waning, and half think that’s bad

By Jack Jenkins — March 15, 2024
(RNS) — There is also growing concern among an array of religious Americans that their beliefs are in conflict with mainstream American culture.

Freethought Caucus’ Huffman invites Christian nationalism critic to State of the Union

By Jack Jenkins — March 5, 2024
WASHINGTON (RNS) — The invite is the latest move by the Congressional Freethought Caucus to elevate criticism of Christian nationalism.

Freethought Democrats object to Pastor Jack Hibbs as guest chaplain, say he’s Christian nationalist

By Jack Jenkins — February 16, 2024
WASHINGTON (RNS) — 'I think there is a real problem with our new speaker and his ability to accept religious pluralism, diversity, and inclusion in a way that can work for our country and our diverse Congress,' said Rep. Jared Huffman.

‘Black Liturgies’ book offers prayers for Black-centered spiritual liberation

By Kathryn Post — February 16, 2024
(RNS) — Cole Arthur Riley on doubt, embodiment and writing a prayer book to a God she’s not convinced exists.

Jordan Peterson wrestles with God

By Meagan Saliashvili — February 15, 2024
PROVIDENCE, R.I. (RNS) — In a new lecture tour to support a forthcoming book, the psychologist and public intellectual hews ever closer to Christianity, tantalizing fans who take their cues on converting from his secular but religiously curious thought.

For Black ‘nones’ who leave religion, what’s next?

By Kathryn Post — February 12, 2024
(RNS) — When Black Americans leave religion, they rarely leave it altogether. But even as they retain elements of Christian culture, what other communities are they embracing beyond the church?

Chelsea Wolfe says witchcraft and sobriety informed her latest album

By Krysta Fauria — February 7, 2024
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Witchcraft’s influence has meant an increased attentiveness to letting each record “be what it wants to be,” the singer, songwriter and musician says.

Who are the ‘nones’? New Pew study debunks myths about America’s nonreligious.

By Kathryn Post — January 24, 2024
(RNS) — 'Today, the ‘nones’ kind of look like everybody else,' said sociologist Ryan Cragun. 'At some level, we're saying, hey, actually, this is just your neighbor.'

Church without God: How secular congregations fill a need for some nonreligious Americans

By Jacqui Frost — January 19, 2024
(The Conversation) — A sociologist of religion explains how atheist churches are helping people find meaning and community – serving many of the same purposes as religious churches.

First meeting of After School Satan Club at Tennessee elementary school draws protesters

By Associated Press — January 12, 2024
MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) — The launch of the club Wednesday drew dozens to protest outside the school, WMC-TV reported.
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