17 Reasons Why Millions of Americans Are Abandoning Their Faith

Even the most devoted believers can start to question everything.

Religion has long shaped major life decisions—from marriage and education to daily routines and moral values. For many, it’s a powerful source of identity and comfort. But sometimes, life experiences shake that foundation in unexpected ways.

These are real moments that have caused people to question—or even walk away from—their faith entirely.

1. What They Taught Didn’t Make Sense

Being told that there is an all-powerful, loving God who allows suffering in a world where violence and abuse reign supreme is something that many don’t understand. 

2. Too Many Unanswered Questions 

When you’re part of a religion, you will learn some ideas that are so complex you’ll start questioning them. The problem, though, is that asking can get you in trouble. Some religious people equate this to doubting and would even mock you for asking. 

3. Critical Thinking and Logic

Critical thinking and logic are comprehension skills you need to survive. When you’re part of a strict religion, though, they seem like a hindrance to faith.

Many religious fanatics even want to ban them from schools, not wanting young people to learn how to think on their own. They just wanted them to follow whatever concepts the church introduced.

4. Lack of Evidence Supporting the Existence of God

One of the strongest reasons why many Americans are abandoning their faith is the lack of evidence that God exists. It’s a little difficult to believe something intangible and can never be seen in the first place.

The Bible is also very abstract; some find it closer to fiction than a credible resource for faith. And when it comes to discussions, no one can really clearly show proof that God exists. 

5. Deeply Religious People Behave Hypocritically

You will encounter many deeply religious people, and instead of actually getting inspired by how they’re living their lives, you will get disappointed. Why? Because many of them act differently inside the church compared to outside. You will see them spouting mean things towards others, judging and discriminating against people they don’t know, instead of spreading love and acceptance. 

6. Couldn’t Be Bothered to Get Up on Sunday Mornings

Religions have strict obligations to follow when you’re part of them. Sunday is a day of rest and prayer for many churches, but you must wake up early to participate. Dealing with work, errands, and family matters the entire week, getting up on Sunday morning can be challenging for many. Some just want to rest and be ready for another grueling week. 

7. They Use Religion to Manipulate, Bully, and Intimidate People

Churches become powerful because they influence people. Instead of inspiring them to be good, they use their influence to manipulate and influence people. Some are forced to stay away from family members because they are not in the same church. It’s both heartbreaking and frustrating. 

8. God Doesn’t Help Even at Your Lowest

Can you say that there’s a God when you’re living in the streets with your kids, with no food to eat and no bed to sleep in? If God does exist, he should at least help you when you’re at your lowest. But many people live and pass away on the streets, and many kids starve every day. If God doesn’t even help you at your lowest, who can?

9. Wealthy Religion Doesn’t Use Money to Help the World

Churches like the Catholic Church, Scientology, and the LDS (Latter-Day Saints Church) are considerably wealthy. They are well-known for being rich, but helping people doesn’t seem to be a priority. It will make you doubt how important faith is when you can’t apply the teachings the church repeatedly spouts. 

10. People Prioritize Religion Over Being a Good Human Being

Which would you choose if you had to decide between the good of the church and being a good human being? Many churches are still against divorce or LGBTQIA+ marriage, for example.

11. Realized Being an Atheist Is an Option

Being part of a church is not the only option you have. You can be an atheist, someone who doesn’t believe in God, or an agnostic, someone who believes nothing can be known for sure if there’s a God. Don’t force yourself to be part of a religion you don’t believe in. 

12. Religion Turned Its Back on You

While the world is slowly learning and adapting, many traditional churches still condemn non-binaries and those with different sexual orientations. They’ll turn their backs on you if you don’t meet their standards. 

13. Churches Operate Like Corporations

With so much money, some churches are closer to being corporations than religious organizations. They get away from paying taxes but charge their members to be part of the church. Ultimately, it’s like you’re paying for the teachings they’re telling you. It’s more of a business instead of a religion.

14. Church Getting Money From Poor People Is Dubious

When an institution that’s supposed to be helping poor people is getting money from them instead, it will be difficult to believe in its teachings. If you believe in a God that supports this, wouldn’t it be better not to have any religion at all? 

15. Reading the Bible Opened Eyes to Nasty Things

If you’ve read the Bible, the stories are quite enjoyable, but they also open your eyes to some of the lesser-known things that aren’t talked about.

16. Being Used as Justification to Hurt Others

Some people use religion to justify inflicting pain on others. Even when it’s illegal to have kids work, some religious organizations regard it as divine service and a show of devotion to God. Some religious organizations forcibly ask for money from people, calling it a donation, but will discriminate against people who won’t give anything.

17. It Was Forced on You During Childhood

If you grow up under a religion, chances are you have no say in it in the first place. Your parents may have forced you to practice the religion. Now that you are older, deciding what to believe in is up to you. 

The 10 Biggest Lies Society Has Been Telling You For Years

Curious to know the common lies that people believe? I came across an interesting question on the internet: “What lie do people need to stop believing?” the responses were eye-opening.

Here are some of the top-voted ones that might surprise you.

• The 10 Biggest Lies Society Has Been Telling You For Years