Letter to the editor: 'Nones' don't know what they're missing

A December 2021 Newsweek article states “The number of Americans who do not affiliate themselves with religion is growing.” A Pew Research Center survey found that “nones” (Americans who do not identify as having any religious affiliations) make up about 29% of U.S. adults, up from 23% in 2016 and 19% in 2011 — “indicating that some Americans are beginning to lose interest in their faiths.”

“None” is a much softer new progressive word being used instead of the harsh negative term “atheist.” America’s greatest attribute is freedom to choose your own beliefs. Christians represent 65% of the total adult population, according to a 2019 Pew survey. Within this group there are faithful believers and lukewarm believers. Faithful believers have a daily relationship with God and abide in him. This means a healthy diet of Bible reading, prayer, talking to God, worship, serving and building relationships with God’s people. No, they are not perfect, and make mistakes. Bad things do happen to faithful believers. Why? I don’t know.

The lack of knowledge of and research into the Bible can lead to “none-ism.” The Bible says to spread the good news about the miraculous story of Jesus. At first, it is hard to comprehend the story, but with faith, hope and love, it is possible to have a daily relationship.

I would be a fool to think my opinion can change one person. This opinion is not meant to be condemning or prideful. There is no greater free gift then eternal life — but it takes effort, like any relationship.

Rick Ditch

Unity