Over 80 million American adults hide religious doubts or exaggerate their faith
Schnabel et al., Cornell University, 2024
Across the United States, millions of people hide their doubts about religion because unbelief can cost them the life they know: family, community, work, belonging.
Heathens follows five of them. Each has lost faith privately, painfully, and at real risk. Shaped by gospel music and the churches that raised them, they do not simply reject what they came from. They carry the music, beauty, and longing with them as they rebuild meaning on their own terms.
A landmark Cornell University study found that more than 80 million American adults hide their religious doubts or exaggerate how religious they are. Heathens gives that silent number five human faces.
The Voices of Heathens
At a secluded campground in the woods of Charlottesville, Virginia, closeted heathens from around the nation gather once a year, many under pseudonyms and in secret from their families.
Are you a Heathen? Join the community!
Largest Religious Denomination in U.S. is Now "None"
The religious “Nones” in America are now 84 million strong and growing. Tens of millions identify as atheists, agnostics, skeptics and secular opponents of religion.
Stay Up to Date
Don’t miss a thing.
Sign up to receive Heathens news and updates