Narratives of nonreligion: A typological analysis of explanatory registers

In this article, we explore the narratives of young Quebec adults who currently claim no religious affiliation. We have identified four distinct types of narrative registers used to explain and legitimize their current nonreligious stance: the rational-humanistic, rational-scientific, individualistic, and relational registers. This analysis must be understood in light of the growing nonreligious population, as well as the rapid and recent changes in Quebec’s socioreligious and cultural landscape. The data presented in this article come from a qualitative study conducted among 38 nonreligious young adults aged from 20 to 32 years. Our typological analysis explores the narratives that support this claimed nonreligion. The arguments presented provide valuable insights into why religion is suffering from a ‘crisis of credibility’ among younger generations, and what nonreligious forms and identities might look like in contemporary Quebec.