Over the past few decades, the number of Americans who identify as religiously unaffiliated—often referred to as “nones”—has grown rapidly. In the 1970s, only about 5% of Americans fell into this category. Today, that number exceeds 25%. Scholars have debated whether this change simply reflects a general decline in belief, or whether it signals something more complex. The research team wanted to explore the deeper forces at play: Why are people leaving institutional religion? What are they replacing it with? And how are their personal values shaping that process?

  • athairmor@lemmy.world
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    3 days ago

    They ritualistically eat the body and blood of their god/savior.

    Let that sink in.

    • Hazor@lemmy.world
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      2 days ago

      They wear symbols of a torturous execution device as jewelry, and use it to decorate their homes.

      • gandalf_der_12te@discuss.tchncs.de
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        1 day ago

        the thing is that the cross has taken on new meaning in christianity. to them, it’s not so much a “torturous execution device” as you have said, but rather proof that jesus christ can even live after that. in this way, it is a symbol of life after death, somehow.

        • Hazor@lemmy.world
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          1 day ago

          Right. I was replying to someone who reframed a tradition of Christianity in a way which highlighted how it could be seen as disturbing or bizarre to someone who was unfamiliar with Christianity; I simply did the same with another tradition.