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Persecution From the Nones?
Commentary by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)The religious climate in America is growing colder with each passing year, and a significant factor in this shift is the rise of the Nones, a group that has become increasingly prominent in recent decades. In the 1950s, the Nones represented only 3% of America's population, but today, the latest polls indicate they comprise 20%, totaling 60 million people. They form the largest single block of humanists in the United States and, while not necessarily anti-religion, are distinctly anti-Christian, with a near-unanimous belief that Christianity ruins everything. Demographically, the Nones are not predominantly elderly; they are mostly between the ages of 20 and 65. The largest percentage consists of Baby Boomers, born around 1945, who are now beginning to retire, followed by Gen Xers, aged approximately 30 to 45. In the realms of education, science, and corporate business, these humanistic Nones hold positions of power. They are also generous contributors to political parties, overwhelmingly aligning with the Democratic Party, with 70% having voted for Barack Obama. As a group, the Nones are extremely ideological, with thinking that is narrowly focused on specific concepts or philosophies. There is no changing their minds; their way is the only way, and they are quick to argue and fight for their stance without compromise, especially regarding Christianity. Having been born and lived their adult lives during a period when the United States began its religious decline, they accepted, lived, and became adherents of this shift, forming the core of today's humanism and making it increasingly difficult for the Christian religion to maintain its influence.
The 'Nones' One More Time
Commentary by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)The Nones are having a profoundly negative effect on the quality of life in the nation, though their impact often goes unnoticed by many. The term originated from individuals checking the "none" box on federal forms in response to questions about religious affiliation, a trend that caught the attention of government workers and was later formalized through tabulations. Surveys by the Barna Group highlighted the rising influence of this group on the American religious scene, noting their rapidly increasing numbers and their role in tipping the statistical scale toward the unchurched. Reports indicate that one out of every five Americans, roughly 60 million people, now identifies as a None. While some Nones are prominent and vocal in their anti-God sentiments, most are more like a regular force within society, influencing from various directions and causing irritation in numerous areas. Though not often excessively dangerous individually, their collective influence as a group is significant, especially when they occupy critical cultural positions such as college professors. Nones are predominantly concentrated in cities, where they are often well-educated, politically active, and employed in influential sectors like government, education, athletics, and entertainment. Their presence in urban environments, where liberal tendencies are more pronounced, amplifies their impact, as cities tend to convert individuals to political, moral, and economic liberality. These characteristics, embedded in the minds and practices of the Nones, make them influential figures whom others tend to follow, often unknowingly contributing to broader societal shifts.
A Characterization of a None
Commentary by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)The portrayal of Miss Jean Brodie in the 1969 film, "The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie," offers a striking reflection of today's modern Nones. These individuals, often in positions of influence, lack any concept of God or adherence to ethical standards, positioning themselves as providence in the lives of others. Miss Brodie, a teacher who dismisses guilt and manipulates those around her, embodies the characteristics of what psychiatrist Lyle H. Rossiter describes as a benign liberal in his book, "The Liberal Mind." Though not in a position to cause national-scale damage like a radical liberal revolutionary, her influence is profound on a personal level, shaping young minds with a worldview rooted in fantasy rather than reality. Her actions demonstrate how modern liberalism, as seen through her character, fosters dependency and a form of enslavement, despite intentions to care for others. This depiction serves as a blueprint for understanding the mindset of Nones, who, like Miss Brodie, operate with unwavering certainty in their own rightness, oblivious to the psychological and moral impact on those they influence.
The Nones and the True Believers
Commentary by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)The Nones fit into the scenario of mass movements in a unique way, with motivations that are both intellectual and spiritual. They have bought into a mass movement brilliantly orchestrated by satan, influenced by their upbringing and environment. When growing up, they were often weakly prepared at home through unsound child training practices, making them vulnerable. By the time they reached college, they had little spiritual defense against the anti-God attacks from secular liberal instructors and fellow students already part of this revolutionary army of secularists. The Nones believed they had much to gain, particularly the hope of greater personal freedom and liberty. One of their rallying cries is that Christianity ruins everything, driving them to throw off inhibitions, especially regarding sex outside of marriage. They see Christianity as confining, and with the liberty provided by the state, they embrace the freedom to cast aside traditional constraints. The revolution they are part of seeks to overthrow the fear of God, aiming to stamp it out completely.
The Nones, Atheism, and Immorality
Commentary by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)The 'Nones' have risen to prominence in society, ideologically committed to abortion, radical feminism, homosexuality, strict gun control, and socialism.
Is Education the Answer? (Part 2)
Commentary by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Education is the answer to life's problems, but only if it is founded on godly knowledge. Modern conveniences do not always make our lives better.
Leaving Religion Behind
Commentary by Richard T. RitenbaughMore Millennials identify themselves as non-religious and show no indication of embracing religion in the foreseeable future.
Leaving Christianity Behind
'WorldWatch' by Richard T. RitenbaughMillennials are changing the face of the nation, transforming society on both public and private matters and rejecting Christianity for humanist values.
Is Education the Answer? (Part 4)
Commentary by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Because the secular progressives control the media, entertainment, and education, Americans have no inkling about how sin destroys the quality of life.
The Intolerance of Liberals
Commentary by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Political correctness is an intolerant point of view, demanding that orthodox religious views be condemned, and perverse lifestyles should be preferred.
Is Education the Answer? (Part 3)
Commentary by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Through forgetting God, the modern nations of Israel (America, Britain, Australia, United Kingdom) are following the same pattern that doomed their forebears.
What a Time to be Alive
Sermonette by Ryan McClureIn a world rapidly turning into something mysteriously new, focus on the one thing that does not change: God and His truth.
The Falling Away
'Prophecy Watch' by David C. GrabbeOne of Paul's prophecies foretells of a falling away shortly before Christ's return. The coming apostasy is worldwide in scope and will put pressure on all.
What Makes Generation "Me" Tick?
Commentary by David F. MaasOver the past six decades (from the Boomer Generation to the Millennial generation), individuals have grown more narcissistic, entitled and miserable.
Be Prepared
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)God has given us clear records of what has occurred in the pass, enabling us to bind time, profiting from the past and preparing for the future.
Who Deserves Our Loyalties?
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)When we are called, we are asked to count the cost and plan accordingly. We must totally give ourselves over to becoming fashioned into His image.