More on "Religious Identification" in the U. S.

You've probably seen these or similar reports in the past few years. They list the percentages of Americans who categorize their religious inclinations one way or another;

http://www.teachingaboutreligion.org/Demographics/map_demographics.htm#The%20Big%20Picture

Perhaps the main trend that I've noticed in recent years is a steady rise in the number of people who select "no religion." A more recent study (than this one) showed that total to be even higher...closer to 20 percent, and I suspect it will continue a slow and steady rise in the near future. To me, this just echoes a pattern that's been taking place in Europe for quite some time now.

On the other hand, in the "other religions" category (in this 2001 study), Unitarian Universalism shares a 3.7 percent share with "Hindus; Pagans; Wiccans; Spiritualists; Native Americans; Bahai Faith; New Age; Sikhs; Scientologists; Taoists; Druids; Santaria; Rastafarian, etc." I just can't help but wonder how many of those "twenty percent or so" who, for whatever reasons, are so obviously turned off by "organized religion" might find spiritual support and genuine camaraderie within our "Faith of the Free" if such an opportunity should present itself? Even if just a tenth of those folks were to find a meaningful connection with Unitarian Universalism, that would be...well, let's see... millions. Is it such a stretch to think that we already have a lot in common with those folks?

By the way, I'm still testing the waters with a new "UU message board," and one month into the project, we have 25 signed-on members. Come and give it a look! There's plenty of room. Free parking. No charge. "Our Choosing Faith" forum can be found at this link...

http://choosingfaith.informe.com/index.php

Still trying to figure out how best to make it work. As always, your ideas for improvement would be much appreciated!