Nones on the Bus

A lot has been written about people who do not profess any religious allegiance at all.  A few "nones" have actually written very thoughtful pieces as to why they identify as such.  Sadly, most in the religion business do not read these pieces, or if they do they dismiss them by alleging ulterior motives in order to reorient the conversation on a ground of their own choosing.  Gosh, can't imagine why the "nones" have no interest in religion....

I used to be in the religion business.  I worked for the church for a number of years, but now I no longer do so.  I still attend church, but largely as an outcast and a pariah in my own tradition.  The experiences of my work in religion has led me to understand why the "nones" are growing and what their state of mind is on matters religious.  Some may regard me as a "none" even though I occupy a seat in the pew, and they may be right.  

Over the years I have taught a great many students and have come to meet a lot of "nones". They often explain their religious journey in essays they have written in my classes, in the discussions we have in class sessions, and in the conversations we have about such matters in the halls or my office.  The depth of thought they express on these topics is deep and insightful.  The "nones" believe profoundly in God by and large; very few are atheist, agnostic, or freethinkers.  Many even have a prayer life and spiritual practice.  However, they can no longer find God in the institutions of religion and the church, mosque, or synagogues in which they were raised.

For them, a great deal of pain has taken place in these institutions, ranging from physical, sexual, and psychological abuse to ostracism and rejection of their questions, experiences, and identities.  This pain has been inflicted either on them or on someone they love - family, friends, classmates, etc.  

Institutional religion has become a blood sport in every denomination, every tradition.  The "nones" are in many ways like those fleeing into the desert seeking for God, not finding God in imperial religion dedicated to blood sport and perpetual war.  The "nones" are pilgrims in a very authentic sense, and this blog is for them - for us.  For it is one thing the "nones" have taught me is that there is no us and them.  There is just us.