<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Sociological research has increasingly focused on the group known as the religious "Nones," which includes atheists, agnostics, and those who identify with no particular religion. This demographic has been growing in the United States since the early 1990s. Studies indicate that non-religious individuals often experience lower social support and poorer psychological well-being.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">There is a common belief that having a nominal religious affiliation is better than having none. Research indicates that nominal affiliates often retain personal theological beliefs, pass on a Christian identity to their children, and are more likely to volunteer compared to lifelong secular individuals. It is also thought that nominal affiliates may eventually become more active in their faith.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">However, a new report from the Institute for Family Studies, co-authored by Jane Lankes Smith, suggests that nominal Protestants may experience worse marital outcomes than those who identify as non-religious. The report highlights that nominal Protestants often have lower levels of marital stability and satisfaction compared to both regular churchgoers and Nones.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">For instance, among ever-married adults aged 35–54, 34% of regular churchgoing Protestants have experienced divorce or separation, compared to 40% of Nones and 54% of nominal Protestants who do not attend church regularly.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">In terms of marital happiness, 74% of churchgoing Protestants report being very happy in their marriage, while 66% of Nones and 58% of nominal Protestants report the same. Additionally, 77% of churchgoing Protestants view their marriage as stable, compared to 71% of Nones and 66% of nominal Protestants. Regarding perceived fairness in marriage, 80% of churchgoing Protestants feel their marriage is fair, while 72% of Nones and 68% of nominal Protestants agree.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The report also examines sexual satisfaction among married individuals aged 20–54, finding that 45% of churchgoing Protestants rate their sex life as "excellent" or "very good," compared to 40% of Nones and 35% of nominal Protestants.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">These findings suggest a complex relationship between nominal religious affiliation and marital outcomes. While nominal affiliation may correlate with higher divorce rates, it is also possible that individuals who have divorced may withdraw from religious practices, leading to a nominal affiliation.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Despite lower self-reported marital satisfaction, nominal Protestants show some behavioral advantages over Nones. They are slightly more likely to be married (41% versus 39%) and to have children (66% versus 49%). Weekly sexual activity is reported by 60% of churchgoers, while 52% of nominal Protestants and 47% of Nones report the same. Furthermore, nominal Protestants are significantly more likely to view marriage as a permanent commitment than Nones, with 26% versus 6% agreeing.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">As faith plays a diminishing role in American family life, the data reveal significant differences in marital strength and commitment between regular churchgoers and those with nominal or no religious affiliation. The connection between faith values and marital stability is evident.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The report concludes that rather than abandoning their affiliations, nominal Protestants may require more sociological and community support than they have previously received. It suggests that Protestant church leaders and congregants should focus on fostering marriage-minded youth and strengthening Christian marriages.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><em>Jane Lankes Smith is a non-resident Senior Fellow at the Institute for Family Studies and a research scientist at the Institute for Population Research at The Ohio State University. She holds a PhD in sociology and demography from Pennsylvania State University.</em></p>