“Nones” and “Dones”

A new religious group of Americans has emerged in recent years. It is called the “Nones,” not to be confused with habit-wearing “nuns,” of course. These “Nones” are those with no religious affiliation. When surveyed or asked about their religion, they answer, “None.”

According to Gallup, this is the fastest growing “religious” group, reaching almost a quarter of the U.S. population. This has caused a great deal of hand-wringing in Christian circles in regards to the future, and no small amount of ink has been spilt in its analysis. Such analysis is proper, calling all thoughtful leaders of faith to reflection. However, for me, I am more concerned with another group: The “Dones.”

These people used to go to church or some other house of worship. Maybe they were even leaders in a congregation, and never imagined life on the “outside” of institutional faith. But now they have checked out…