The number of those who checked "none" when asked about their
religious affiliation is at the highest ever documented, according to the Pew
Center for the People and the Press.
A 2011 survey conducted by the Pew Research Center shows that nearly one in five
Americans (19 percent) are unbelievers.
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| Bradford |
"For decades, many have questioned calling America a 'Christian' nation -
and for good reason," states AG General Secretary Jim Bradford. "This
statistic should be a call to the Church and individual Christians to seek the
power of the Holy Spirit to be witnesses for Christ - in both word and
action."
According to the survey results, the "none" category includes
atheists, agnostics and those who say they believe in "nothing in
particular."
In 1990, surveys revealed that the none group was only 6 percent of U.S.
adults. By 2008, the group was up to 15 percent. The number changed to 18
percent by 2010.
Aggregated surveys of more than 19,000 people conducted by the Pew Research
Center in 2011 make up the new 19 percent count.
According to a 2009 Pew Forum, more than 10 percent of American adults switched
to the none category after growing up within a religious category.
"Seeking the Holy Spirit's help in witnessing and leading people to Christ
is a matter of obedience and compassion," Dr. Bradford says. "As
Christians, we are to obey God's Word - love others enough to share Christ with
them."
