Over the past few decades, the number of Americans who identify as religiously unaffiliated—often referred to as “nones”—has grown rapidly. In the 1970s, only about 5% of Americans fell into this category. Today, that number exceeds 25%. Scholars have debated whether this change simply reflects a general decline in belief, or whether it signals something more complex. The research team wanted to explore the deeper forces at play: Why are people leaving institutional religion? What are they replacing it with? And how are their personal values shaping that process?
We can just go to therapy instead of confessional.
Confessional is cheaper
Not if you actually tithe 10% like they want you to and have insurance and/or community support. Which of course not everyone has. But my point is that more insurance covers it now than 30 years ago.