The Nones Might Finally Have Political Clout


Surveys show, or claim to show, "nones," those with no religious affiliation, voted for Biden/Harris by a margin of 80%. We know "nones" to be an extraordinarily eclectic group. This makes such political unity rather extraordinary. 

Christian pundits often say, "The nones are not atheists. They are religious but in diverse ways." That may be correct for many nones but its plain to see they have little in common with traditional Christian institutions or with the dogma taught in the faith. Religious supporters of Trump said over and over the election was about abortion. It is easy to conclude nones are in favor of abortion rights.

Atheist pundits are pointing out to Democratic officials nones were one of the strongest supporters of Biden. While some political columnists point to Republicans and Trump making inroads into black and Hispanic voters they do not mention there were no political inroads into the nones. Ground was lost.

Back in the day, there was optimism in the Christian community the computer would do the same thing for the faith that radio and later TV did. The latter expanded the reach of the faith's dogma. Computers have expanded the reach of skeptics.

All that said, it is hard to see just how political influence by nones will take place. The numbers are there but the organizations to centralize the message, Christianity has today, are yet to show up. There are three or four fairly large atheist organizations but I don't know of any for people who believe in many alternative gods or spirits. Maybe there is an opportunity for some ambitious and attractive personality.

To some extent the political fate of nones and atheists is tied to the political success of women's and gay rights. These latter two religious issues have been scoring some victories. When they are victorious it is one small step away from running the country according to religious dogma.

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