The Religious "Nones": A Neglected Category

Those who study religion scientifically have tended to ignore a category of religious phenomenon which appears to be of significance and an understanding of which provides a more complete understanding of religious behavior. That category is the religious "nones." This article (1) calls attention to this neglect; (2) discusses some of the implications of the use of the "none" label; (3) explores some evidence of the relationship between nonaffiliation and a) other religious variables such as beliefs, religious experience, and participation in religious meetings and rituals and b) other social behavior; and (4) explores some methodological and theoretical considerations arising from this analysis. On the basis of this evidence, it is suggested that the religious "none" or independent is a phenomenon worthy of study.