Debate Highlights Misconceptions About America’s Religious “Nones” and Their Politics
In a Manhattan debate, Ross Douthat and Steven Pinker argued over whether non-religious Americans are politically centrist, but data shows many “nones” still hold religious beliefs and display varied partisan leanings.
At a recent event in Manhattan’s Fifth Avenue Presbyterian Church, a columnist at one outlet invited atheist psychologist Steven Pinker to discuss whether the United States has swapped religious tribalism for political tribalism. Pinker argued that those who answer “nothing in particular” to religion questions are the most centrist and charitable toward the opposite party. However, he failed to note that a large majority of these respondents still profess belief in God, and only 17% identify as atheists.
Pew data shows atheists lean heavily Democratic, while evangelicals are predominantly Republican, and the broader “nones” are split 54% Democrat to 37% Republican. Younger adults raised without religion are increasingly independent, with just 24% aligning with Democrats. One outlet reveals that loss of formal religious affiliation does not automatically create a monolithic, left-leaning voting bloc.
Why it matters
Understanding the true beliefs and political leanings of the “nones” challenges assumptions about voter behavior.
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