by Vendela Krenkel ‘20

Younger generations are becoming less religiously affiliated, identifying as either atheist, agnostic, or “none” (having no religion). Following the rise of the Internet and secularism, atheism is the fastest growing belief system in the U.S., with its numbers more than tripling since the 70s.

According to a 2014 Religious Landscape study from Pew Research, 88 percent of the baby boomer generation (born mid-40s to 60s) identifies with a religion, with Christianity making up 84 percent of that majority. In contrast, only 63 percent of millennials (born 80s to 90s) are religious. 

Although older generations are also becoming less religious, the youth are most likely to avoid identifying as a religion. While some millennials are leaving the religion they have been brought up under, the bulk of those that label themselves as “nones” were raised without religion holding great value in the household. In fact, two thirds of younger generations that were reared unaffiliated have remained unaffiliated, which is a greater retention rate than most religions.

While it is a possibility that the youth that identify as nonreligious currently could adopt religion as they grow older, Pew Research suggests that this is unlikely, as generations tend to become less religious as they age.

This shift away from religion is the result of critical social milestones such as the association of Christianity with the Republican party, loss of faith in the Catholic Church, and the creation of the Internet. The vast majority of atheists lean left, with about 70 percent affiliating with the Democrat party. And because youth tend to have more liberal ideologies, the ideas of atheism appeal more to the less religious left. As scandals involving the Catholic Church have come to light, many families have become distrustful as its moral value has deteriorated in the eyes of the public. With the Internet, it is easier than ever to communicate with others who think similarly, and to find new belief systems. The rise of social media has also made it more socially acceptable to talk openly about spiritual doubts.