This opinion piece was written by SASS member “Joy” Bless.
It started with some rather personal experience: first with a friend of mine, in South Africa, then with a niece in Latin America. Two very different regions of the world, two very different cultures and religions, but with the same reaction:
“How can you not believe in god? How can you refuse to come and pray with us! What type of human being are you?! You are a monster, belonging to the devil.
You do not belong anymore to us! You are no more my child, no more my friend.
Go away!”
Why such a strong, even violent reation? This deep lack of acceptance that such a thing can happen? Somebody denying the existence of god? Unthinkable! Like denying the existence of the sun!
This awoke my curiosity: is it the same in the whole world? So, here the results of my research.
Definitions of belief systems
Let’s agree on an easy and practical distinction between “religious” and “non-religious”.
Religious people are mostly the ones belonging to and following the faith of one of the four monotheist religions: Christianity (and all the related denominations and sects), Islam, Judaism and Hinduism, or any other groups believing in a supernatural power.
Non-religious people, more often now called “Nones”, not only do not belong to any of the above religions, but they can be atheists, agnostics, or broadly, humanists.
On the basis of these definitions, many surveys have been done regularly around the world.
Research results
In 2025, nearly 25% of the people worldwide identify as nonreligious, atheist, or agnostic. Of course, some will argue that this is just because of China and other so-called communist countries! The rest of the world is religious!
Not so sure.
Even as an atheist, I was surprised to learn that 70% of the UK youth (between 18 and 35 years) are non-religious. Seventy percent!!! Indeed, in the 2021 Census, 37% of the total UK population; and 58% of the Dutch population over 15 ticked ‘No religion’.
Religious beliefs in the word population
- Nearly a quarter of the world population is non-religious, and the number is growing;
- Worldwide, 3 adults have left a religion for every adult who has joined;
- Economically advanced countries have the highest percentage of non-religious population;
- Around one-quarter of USA citizens (26%) identified as religiously unaffiliated in 2023, a 5 percentage point increase from 21% in 2013. Moreover, the “nones” are now larger than any single religious group.
Religious beliefs in the so-called “developing countries”
- Sub-Saharan Africa is now home to the largest number of Christians, surpassing Europe.
- Across Latin America and the Caribbean combined, religious “nones” rose by about 67% between 2010 and 2020, reaching roughly 77 million people, about 12%.
- In sub‑Saharan Africa, non-religious people are a small minority: only a few countries (notably Mozambique, Botswana, South Africa, Guinea‑Bissau, Cape Verde, Namibia) reach around 10–12% or slightly more are non-religious.
- Some North African countries show much higher self‑identified “non‑religious” proportions in recent opinion surveys. For example Tunisia (around one‑third non‑religious) and Morocco (around one‑third), even though open atheism is still reported as very small. However, Muslims comprise approximately 94% to 99% of the population in the North Africa region, making it one of the most religiously homogeneous areas in the world.
- The situation in Asia is very heterogeneous, with China being at least 90% non-religious and the Islamic countries not more than a few percent.
Isn’t it ironic? In Africa and Latin America, in all these countries colonised by European with the strong aid of the Christian religion, Christianity maintains its domination in many areas of the region – although it is more and more rejected by the former colonisers in their own countries! Let’s learn from that!
Key Reasons for the Global Rise of the “Nones”
- Greater Education and Critical Thinking
Higher levels of education—especially in science, philosophy, and humanities—correlate with more questioning of traditional religious claims.
- Urbanization
As societies become more urban:
- community-based religious life weakens,
- people encounter more diverse beliefs,
- traditional norms lose influence.
- Increased Access to Information
The internet exposes people to alternative worldviews, debates, and secular communities, making it easier to explore non-religious identities.
- Social Acceptance of Non-Belief
In many countries it is no longer socially dangerous to identify as non-religious:
- less stigma,
- more representation in media,
- normalisation of atheism and agnosticism.
- Decline of Institutional Trust
Scandals and hypocrisy within religious institutions lead many to reject organized religion, even if they keep spiritual or moral beliefs. The oppressive role of these institutions is more visible.
- Individualism and “Choose-Your-Own-Belief” Culture
Modern societies emphasize personal freedom and identity-building. Religion becomes optional rather than inherited. Also, the belief that individuals can choose how to behave and what is acceptable (LGB+, pre-marriage sex, etc) is more acceptable.
- Scientific and Technological Progress
Advances in science provide natural explanations for phenomena previously attributed to the divine, reducing reliance on supernatural interpretations.
- Generational Replacement
Younger generations (Millennials, Gen Z) are much more likely to identify as secular. As older generations pass, the percentage of “Nones” naturally rises. As a Belgian professor told me not long ago, in his country, “religion is for the old people”.
Religious beliefs in South Africa
Unfortunately, the idea of social acceptance of non-belief is problematic in our society. Yes, our Constitution attests to a secular state with freedom of beliefs. But culture takes time to change and religious institutions are fighting for their survival. Our education system does not focus on the development of critical thinking, and the taboo remains: don’t question anything related to your religion!
Ignorance plays also a role: for many, it is unthinkable not to believe in a god, thus nobody in the world think that way. Would they know that, in certain countries that they admire so much, half the population does not believe in god?
The consequence, that will prevail until humanism is really accepted, is that people who leave religion nowadays in our country have to go through a very, very hard time. They are oppressed by their former religion, rejected by their community, and much more!
SASS Free From Faith Helpline
In order to assist them, the South African Secular Society (SASS) has developed a dedicated helpline, the Free From Faith (FFF) Helpline.
It offers compassionate peer support from trained volunteers. They listen with respect, guided by trauma-informed principles and backed by secular-minded professionals. You can have a friendly, confidential chat when things feel confusing. You will be encouraged to explore your own values and purpose.
This confidential chat can also help with the tough stuff: relationships, boundaries, identity.
The Free From Faith (FFF) Helpline is open every day, from 6 to 8 pm.
Call us on 010 500 7715