If one of these sentences describes you:
I agree with leading an ethical, moral existence with empathy for life. However, I don’t practice a religion because…
I believe morality can exist independently of religion
I think one can lead a moral and empathetic life without adhering to any religious doctrine.
I do not believe in any deity or higher power
I identify as an atheist or do not find evidence for the existence of gods.
I am uncertain about the existence of higher powers
I identify as agnostic and prefer to keep an open mind about what we cannot know.
I prefer a secular or scientific worldview
I find that reason, evidence, and critical thinking guide my life decisions without needing religion.
I am ‘spiritual but not religious’
I believe in some form of spirituality or interconnectedness but do not follow organized religious practices.
I disagree with specific religious teachings or doctrines
Certain theological views or rules in organized religions conflict with my personal values or logic.
I have had negative experiences with organized religion
Traumatic or disappointing experiences in religious institutions have led me to distance myself.
I feel religion can be divisive or dogmatic
Organized religion sometimes fosters exclusion or dogmatism that I find problematic.
I’ve grown up without religious influence
I was never raised with religion or never found a reason to adopt one later in life.
I find meaning and purpose through other philosophies
I adhere to philosophical or ethical frameworks (e.g., humanism, stoicism, existentialism) instead of religious ones.
I prefer personal introspection over structured worship
Meditation, personal reflection, or other practices fulfill my spiritual or moral needs without religious guidelines.
I find religious institutions incompatible with my views on social justice
Certain religious traditions seem at odds with my stance on equality, rights, or cultural and gender issues.
I rely on community and shared human values instead
I get a sense of belonging and moral grounding from secular communities rather than religious congregations.
I haven’t felt the need for religion in my life
I simply haven’t encountered a need—intellectual, emotional, or social—for religious faith or practice.
I’m still exploring my beliefs and not ready to commit to a religion
I’m open-minded and curious but haven’t settled on a structured religion.
I believe religions were created by humans for historical/cultural reasons
I see religion as a product of human culture rather than a universal or divine truth.
I value ethical principles more than specific religious tenets
I see no reason to align with a religion’s rules when broader ethical principles suffice.
I prefer universal compassion without religious labels
I strive for empathy and altruism that transcend religious boundaries.
