“In God We Trust” is the official motto of the United States, yet for many Americans, the Christian God and religion are no longer at the forefront of their lives.
According to a Pew Research Center survey, 29 percent of U.S. adults identify as religiously unaffiliated. As recent as 1990, this number was only at 5 percent, with 90 percent of U.S. adults identifying as Christian.
This rise of unaffiliates shows no signs of stopping. The Pew Research Center predicts that around half the nation will be religiously unaffiliated by 2070 if trends continue.
So, why is this? Half of those who left religion say they did so because they simply no longer believe. Common responses in Pew surveys cite rational thought, evolution and a lack of scientific evidence as contributing factors of their choice. Others, about 20 percent, left because they dislike organized religion, commonly citing corruption, contributions to social division, clergy sex abuse scandals and anti-LGBTQ+ teachings as their rationale.
Regardless of reasoning, some see this trend as problematic. They argue a loss of religion will likely lead to an increase in depression as religion historically provided answers to life’s toughest questions, relieved anxiety and gave people purpose and meaning.
Frankly, research supports this notion. Rachel Bonelli, Rachel Dew and other researchers reviewed hundreds of studies done on the correlation between religion and depression and published their comprehensive review in the National Library of Medicine. They concluded that 272 out of the 444 studies found less depression among those more religious, and in general, those with no affiliation experienced higher rates of depression than other groups.
Why is this? According to this research summary, it is possible that organized religion helps people cope, offers a strong support system and provides meaning. Also, religious involvement has been associated with “greater altruism, gratefulness, forgiveness, marital satisfaction, less delinquency/crime, better school performance, less substance abuse and more disease prevention activities,” all of which foster fewer life stressors in the first place.
Commonly, those who see this rise in unaffiliates as problematic use this research to argue why Americans need to go back to religion. However, when you consider the reasons why people left in the first place, it is easy to see how that isn’t a feasible solution.
As previously stated, the primary reason why people leave religion is because they do not believe in God. This is not something that can be easily reconsidered, especially since there is not necessarily a way to prove a higher power exists. The secondary reason is because they dislike organized religion. Although there are ways in which the church can attempt to reestablish trustworthiness, there would likely need to be significant proof of integrity or reconstruction to allow for any reconsideration from unaffiliates, and some may still be simply uninterested in returning.
Instead of ignoring the issues or fighting this trend and trying to force uninterested unaffiliates back into religion, it seems as though it would be more productive to accept and embrace it and determine how they can feel fulfilled and recover from depression without relying on religion.
I, nor anyone else for that matter, has objective answers on how everyone can find meaning and fulfillment. Personally, I do not even believe an objective meaning or purpose of life exists. However, if we continue to stray from religion moving forward, I think we should be empowered to actively work towards finding that meaning for ourselves and act in ways that foster fulfillment and happiness.
Although it can be scary to think about, I find a sense of purpose in the impermanence of things as it reminds me to suck the marrow out of life, to appreciate those around me, to accomplish, learn, share and experience all I can and to be grateful each day because I may not have the opportunity to tomorrow. I try to reflect this perspective in my actions, by spending time with and appreciating loved ones, taking opportunities given to me, emphasizing education, trying to be present and caring for myself to the best of my ability, all of which are behaviors that foster lower rates of depression in religious people according to the NLM research.
Obviously, my perspective is not the correct or only way to fulfilment. My point is solely that finding meaning without religion is possible, and it is something that should be actively sought after and worked towards to allow for fulfillment, happiness and direction in life, especially among those who no longer are guided by religion.
The search does not have to be difficult. Soul-searching, talking with others and reading could act as a guide. Purpose does not necessarily have to be profound. Potentially, education, activism, family or volunteering, for example, can be a source of happiness and fulfillment.
Regardless of what it is, you should find your reason, but it does not have to be religion.
