Just who are the "unaffilitated"? (Buddhist, church, atheist)

[Wakyco]

A recent statistic has shown that 16% of the U.S. population are considered "unaffiliated" with a major religion.

Of that 16%, only 4% disavow religion all together while the other 12% have a belief that "falls outside the box".

I'm curious to know what some those "outside the box" beliefs are.

I know that is a very broad question so I'm not expecting very detailed answers, just ideas.

[Thomas R.]

I think there are some who are syncretic, intentionally mixing elements of different religions. In the movie "Children of Men" they have a religious character who fits syncretism more than any mainstream religion. I think in one scene she says a prayer that mentions Mother Mary and Buddhist ideas of enlightenment.

I know of a person who seemed to suggest they believed "God", as they viewed it, was an evolving Supreme Entity. Or that God is a voice of inspiration rather than an omnipotent and omniscient being. Or that "God" is an impersonal force behind the Universe Or that there is no God, but there are ghosts and reincarnation.

Although from what I recall many of the unaffiliated in the US are basically Christians who just do not feel inclined to call themselves a member of any denomination or church. Possibly they mix elements of different Christian denominations so like say the rosary and read the King James Bible or what have you.

[Fred314X]

What I find interesting is the idea that not being affiliated with a particular religion would be an issue in the first place. What possible difference could this make, and to whom?

[Asheville Native]

Originally Posted by Wakyco

A recent statistic has shown that 16% of the U.S. population are considered "unaffiliated" with a major religion.

Of that 16%, only 4% disavow religion all together while the other 12% have a belief that "falls outside the box".

I'm curious to know what some those "outside the box" beliefs are.

I know that is a very broad question so I'm not expecting very detailed answers, just ideas.

How about a link to these 'statistics'.

[OhioanKid]

People don't like being told what to believe; they basically pick and choose their beliefs, I think. They fall "outside the box" because no religion perfectly suits it or they just don't want a label, they want to "be themselves."

[Asheville Native]

Originally Posted by OhioanKid

People don't like being told what to believe; they basically pick and choose their beliefs, I think. They fall "outside the box" because no religion perfectly suits it or they just don't want a label, they want to "be themselves."

Actually based on the fact that so many are told what to believe, and at least go along with the charade it sure leaves the impression they do want to be told what to believe, and follow along like good little sheep.

[achickenchaser]

I'd imagine many of those would fall under the spiritual/not religious label.

[Occam's Bikini Wax]

I think there are a lot more than 4% nonbelievers, but I also believe a lot of them fear to openly admit it. Fundies can be really nasty and rabid about atheists, making it hard for a lot of us to come out publically for fear of reprisal.

[catman]

Originally Posted by Wakyco

Of that 16%, only 4% disavow religion all together while the other 12% have a belief that "falls outside the box".

Do you mean only 4% "[o]f that 16%", or 4% of the original 100%? I ask because 4% + "the other 12%" only adds up to 16%. So then I might ask, "What about the other 84%?" See what I mean?

[sanspeur]

According to Pew research, 22% of the unaffiliated do not believe in God...Fully one-in-four adults under age 30 (25%) are unaffiliated, describing their religion as "atheist," "agnostic" or "nothing in particular." Religion Among the Millennials - Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life