Rise Of The Nones

Rise of the Nones

Tim Moore

When asked about their religious affiliation in nationwide polls, more and more young people are declaring themselves to be “nones” — meaning that they refuse to affiliate with any religion, especially Christianity (see the Pew Forum).

Our own culture’s slide into post-Christian oblivion was deceptively slow over the past century. But lately, the rush toward secularism is accelerating with shocking speed. One such example of this occurred when Harvard University elected an avowed atheist to serve as its head chaplain.

Greg Epstein has been the humanist chaplain at Harvard since 2005 and at MIT since 2018. The New York Times reports that his focus is “teaching students about the progressive movement that centers people’s relationships with one another instead of with God.” His book asserts his belief that people can be “good without God” — a pointed rejection of God’s testimony. Speaking of the sons of men the LORD said, “They have all turned aside, together they have become corrupt; there is no one who does good, not even one” (Psalm 14:2-3 and 53:2-3).

These modern-day pagans consider the God of the Bible to be an oppressive, patriarchal, white-privilege relic of the past that must be rejected and opposed. They ascribe to humanism that aspires to Satan’s false promise “…you will be like God” (Genesis 3:5). Reflecting on the rebels of Babel, they seek to build and make for themselves a name. The age-old aspiration to “reach for the heavens” in this context implies a clear rejection of the true and living God.

Although atheism in America is growing like a cancer, there is nothing new about this lie. David observed, “The fool has said in his heart, ‘There is no God’” (Psalm 14:1).

In his letter to the Romans, Paul spoke of those who willfully flaunt their rebellion.

“For even though they knew God, they did not honor Him as God or give thanks, but their became futile in their speculations, and their foolish heart was darkened. Professing to be wise, they became fools.” – (Romans 1:21-22)

We could begin understanding God and His provision for mankind just by believing and obeying His testimony about the beginning. Instead, America is enthusiastically rejecting God’s prescription for human flourishing in Genesis 1 and 2:

The world seems bent on pursuing foolishness. Christians should stay grounded in the Truth — and rooted in the One who created us all. In the fullness of time, He will deal with those who reject Him and “take counsel against the LORD and His Anointed” (Psalm 2:2).

The fact that our society is being “given over” to lusts, degrading passions, and a depraved mind proves that His wrath will soon be revealed (Romans 1:24, 26, 28, 18).

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