Reaching the Religiously Disaffiliated - by Brian H Smith (Hardcover)

About the Book

The book analyzes effective ways to spiritually engage the religiously unaffiliated (Nones) who are not interested in joining churches.

Book Synopsis

The book addresses the growing number of Americans who no longer identify with any religious tradition, or the Nones. By 2022 Nones reached 27% of the population. They constitute 31 % of the millennials between 25 and 40, and 33% of the adults in Generation Z between 18 and 25. The author examines survey data on the growth of the Nones and the reasons they give for leaving, or never joining churches. Their exodus has caused concern by religious leaders since the future viability of organized Christianity is at stake given the large numbers of young Americans leaving religion. The author analyzes strategies to engage the Nones by recruiting efforts of Evangelical Christian megachurches, educational initiatives by the US Catholic Bishops, and methods of the Nuns & Nones movement which include dialogs, meals, meditations and shared living experiences between Catholic sisters and the religiously unaffiliated. This approach involves spiritually accompanying Nones rather than efforts to proselytize or educate them. The concluding chapter explores ways for churches to engage Nones based on spiritual accompaniment approaches of the Nuns & Nones movement.

Review Quotes

"Evangelizing the "Nones" is-or should be-one of the main concerns of the theologians of our time. "Religion: none" can become the gateway to a long series of other -isms. Brian Smith's book offers important insights on how to engage the Nones, with a non-ideological approach that draws from, and appeals to, an eclectic and very different styles and methodologies. Smith understands that this is for the Church a time that requires a healthy variety of methods and perspectives." --Massimo Faggioli, Professor of Historical Theology, Villanova University, USA

"In Reaching the Religiously Disaffiliated, Brian Smith offers a timely and incisive examination of the fastest-growing religious group in the U.S-the "Nones." This volume offers a comprehensive yet accessible summary of the literature surrounding religious disaffiliation. But its most important contribution is that it explores how evangelical megachurches, Catholic leaders, and innovative movements like Nuns and Nones are responding. This is a must-read for faith leaders, scholars, and anyone concerned about the future of spiritual community in a rapidly secularizing world." --Ryan P. Burge, Professor of Practice, John C. Danforth Center on Religion and Politics, Washington University

"The conversation about "Nones" is far from over. Brian Smith's book is an essential resource, spanning historical, denominational and contemporary efforts to engage them. Most important, though, are his suggestions for a more effective approach-open dialog and accompaniment rather than evangelization." --Linda Mercadante, Distinguished Research Professor Emerita Methodist Theological School in Ohio, USA; Founder of HealthyBeliefs.org

"Smith not only summarizes what we know about the growing population of Nones, he offers astute sociological and theological analyses of why shared moral and spiritual community holds more promise than either Evangelical preaching or improved Catholic catechesis. Those who care about the lives of the Nones will do well to read and heed the insights here." --Nancy Ammerman, Professor Emerita, Boston University, USA

About the Author

Brian H. Smith is Professor Emeritus of Religion at Ripon College where he taught from 1987-2020.