ST. LOUIS (KMOX) - An increasing number of Americans are taking a dim view of organized religion.
The Pew Research Center found 28 percent of American adults say they are religiously unaffiliated -- agnostic, atheist, or nothing at all.
It has led to a new classification known as religious 'Nones'.
"Most religious 'Nones' are under the age of 50," said Pew Researcher Greg Smith, "By contrast, most people who (are religious) are over 50."
Smith says most religious 'Nones' believe in God or another higher power -- but very few go to religious services regularly.
"The data show most 'Nones' reject the idea that science can explain everything," said Smith. "Most 'Nones' tells us there is something spiritual beyond the natural world, beyond what we can see, touch and measure."
"But at the same time most do have a positive view of science. In fact most 'Nones' have a more positive view of science more than people who identify with a religion."
One reason for the lack in participation in religious services: their lack of trust in religious organizations.
47 percent say one important reason why they are not religious is that they dislike religious organizations, according to Smith.
