The Push Away From Religion and the Pull Toward Secularity

by Bukama Hakim

In The Push Away From Religion and the Pull toward Secularity, Jesse M. Smith and Ryan T. Cragun explore the growing number of Americans identifying as “nones,” those with no religious affiliation. The authors present a balanced, evidence-based explanation of why people are leaving organized religion, describing both the “push” factors that drive individuals away and the “pull” factors that attract them toward a secular life. From my reading, three key points stand out: the decline of social pressure to appear religious, the generational shift toward open-mindedness and pluralism, and the powerful influence of autonomy and science as pull factors toward secular humanism.

The first important point is that the weakening of social expectations has allowed more people to honestly express nonreligious identities. In the past, religion was almost a social obligation, but today individuals feel freer to live truthfully without fear of stigma. This reminds me that freedom of thought is a cornerstone of human dignity. When people can express what they truly believe, society becomes more genuine and tolerant.

The second key idea is that younger generations, exposed to global ideas through education and the internet, are increasingly open to diverse worldviews. This generational change is not a rejection of morality, but a rethinking of its source. The essay highlights how many now believe goodness does not have to come from religion but from our shared humanity. I find this deeply humanistic; it aligns with my belief that compassion, reason, and empathy are universal moral foundations that unite us beyond religious boundaries.

Finally, the authors explain that many who leave religion are drawn toward intellectual freedom and evidence-based worldviews. They find meaning and awe not in religious dogma, but in the discoveries of science and the wonder of the natural universe. I fully agree. The beauty of science and human progress gives me a deeper appreciation of life, a sense of purpose grounded in reality and responsibility. As humanists, we are inspired to make this world better because it is the only one we truly know.

In conclusion, I agree with the authors that the rise of the “nones” reflects not moral decline but moral evolution. It represents people seeking authenticity, knowledge, and kindness without fear or pretense, values that lie at the heart of humanism.