Lost and found

Doctrine brings a famous atheist back to faith | Janie B. Cheaney

Colin McPherson/Corbis

Why is religious conviction, which secularists have always advised should be a private matter, such public news? Hardly a week goes by without some screaming headline about major shifts in personal belief. "Young Americans Losing Their Religion," reports ABC News, referring to research conducted by the Pew Forum. Closer reading of the survey results shows that about 25 percent of young adults age 18-29 now profess no religious affiliation: These are the "nones."

The figures reflect the spirit of the age. America's youth still claim religious beliefs and values; it's doctrinal "rigidity" they've rejected. Meaning, in most cases, that they haven't bothered to examine doctrine at all. The muscular Christianity of the past has kicked off its running shoes and gone for an iced latte.

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June 06, 2009, Vol. 24, No. 11

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