7.5 million more Americans have broken free from the shackles of religion since 2012.

Courtesy of Religion News Service:  

A new survey shows in stark relief that what some are calling the Great Decline of religion in America continues: Since 2012, the U.S. has about 7.5 million more Americans who are no longer active in religion. 

Last week, the 2014 General Social Survey was released. The GSS is the gold standard for sociological surveys. Funded by the National Science Foundation, this multimillion-dollar study gives us the most accurate data on American society — including religion. 

When asked their religious preference, nearly 1 in 4 Americans now says “none.” Up until the 1990s, the percentage who were in this group known as “nones” hovered in the single digits. The 2014 GSS showed that nones are 23 percent of the population, up 3 points from 2012. 

How large is this group? There are nearly as many Americans who claim no religion as there are Catholics (24 percent). If this growth continues, in a few years the largest “religion” in the U.S. may be no religion at all.

First off let's remember that being nonreligious is not a religious category, anymore than being bald is a hair color.

The survey goes on to say that over a third of Americans never attend church, and 17% never pray, which is up from a previous 14%.

All in all this is incredibly good news in my opinion, and indicates an important move away from organized religion. and primitive thinking.