Within the higher echelons of the Catholic Church, as portrayed in Malachi Martin's novel, a significant portion of the Cardinals, specifically 27%, are described as prudent agnostics. These individuals are uncertain about the existence of God, harboring doubts despite their religious training and exposure to church doctrine, history, and policy. Their faith is shaken by witnessing corruption and self-serving temporal concerns within the church, leading them to adopt a cautious, noncommittal stance. They soft-pedal their beliefs, swaying with prevailing winds of influence rather than holding firm convictions. In the context of papal elections, this group holds significant power, as their votes can be swayed by those with stronger convictions, making them a pivotal force in determining the direction of the church. Their tendency to drift with the current, whether towards a religiously inclined or politically oriented Pope, reflects a lack of deep commitment, driven instead by personal career advancement. This agnosticism raises a broader question about genuine belief and commitment, challenging whether one is truly convicted or merely hedging bets in matters of faith.

A significant portion of Millennials, born in the 1980s and 1990s, are moving away from religious affiliation, with 40% identifying as religious nones and 9% following non-Christian faiths. Only 49% describe themselves as Christians, marking the lowest percentage among adult generations. This shift is evidenced by a 16% decline in Christian identity among Millennials over the past decade. Unlike previous generations, Millennials show little sign of returning to organized religion as they reach adult milestones such as marriage or parenthood. Surveys indicate that many Millennials lack strong ties to Christianity from childhood, reducing the likelihood of returning to church later in life. Additionally, the increasing tendency to marry nonreligious spouses reinforces secularism, with three-quarters of religiously unaffiliated Millennials having a nonreligious partner. Changing views on morality and religion further contribute to this trend, as many Millennials believe religion is irrelevant or unnecessary for imparting moral values to their children. Perceptions of religious individuals as less tolerant also play a role, with a majority of Millennials feeling that religious people negatively influence society and that religious organizations fail as models for moral teaching. This growing divide between secular and religious groups suggests a continuing anti-religious trend among Millennials and potentially among future generations.

Agnosticism often emerges in discussions about the decline of faith in the West, as highlighted by concerns over diminishing Christian influence in America. This perspective notes a growing uncertainty or indifference toward spiritual matters, reflecting a broader cultural shift away from traditional religious values. Such trends contribute to the perceived weakening of Western identity and power, as demographic and societal changes challenge long-standing beliefs.