Connecticut, however, is not alone in losing its religion. Nationwide, for the first time in U.S. history, “nones” outpaced Protestants and Catholics for most religious affiliation, with 28% of Americans describing themselves as atheists, agnostics or “nothing in particular,” according to a Pew Research Center study released in January.
Are these trends troubling? Definitely to the religiously inclined who long for a spiritual revival. Yet there are several indicators driving apostasy including but not limited to sexual abuse scandals; congregations becoming too political; teachings on LGBTQ people; or simply quiet quitting, according to the Public Religion Research Institute (PRRI).
But there are wider implications that should concern everyone about the decline in American religiosity. Religious unaffiliated residents are less civically engaged than those active in their faith lives, and less charitable in terms of monetary donations. As apostasy grows, services and costs once assumed by religious institutions are now being absorbed by government budgets and, thus, taxpayers.
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