Is the non religious/agnostic/ atheist demographic in Shillong growing?
I’ve always struggled more with organized and institutionalized religion than with the idea of spirituality or God itself. I do believe in God, just not the “God of the gaps” version that is often preached by everyone. I don’t hate religious people, and I’m not trying to mock anyone’s beliefs. I just personally find it hard to connect with systems that often divide people, judge others, or turn morality into rules and hierarchy.
I also feel like some things in this universe are simply not meant to be fully known or understood by us, and that’s okay. But many religious people speak with absolute certainty about everything, from how the universe works to what happens after death, as if every mystery already has a fixed answer. For me, uncertainty and questioning feel more honest than pretending we know it all. And no, being non religious or questioning religion does not automatically make someone evil, immoral, or some kind of satanist like people often assume.
What’s interesting to me is that some of the kindest, most genuine, and selfless people I’ve met in life have actually been non religious, agnostic, or atheist. People who helped others simply because they wanted to, not because of fear, reward, or doctrine.
So I’m curious, how many people here identify as agnostic, atheist, spiritual but not religious, or completely non religious? And do you think this demographic is slowly growing in Shillong as well? How has it shaped the way you see morality, kindness, and human connection?