The U.S. is one of the most religious wealthy nations in the world. But the number of Americans who identify as an atheist is on the rise—as high as 26 percent, according to some estimates. Some atheists identify as spiritual; some don’t. Some discuss their views on religion with religious people; some don’t. Some use science to navigate questions of right and wrong; some don’t. And although non-believers may not have a deity in their worldview, some still seek out elements of organized religion, like community and morality.

• Amanda Poppei — Senior Leader, Washington Ethical Society (member of American Ethical Union and Unitarian Universalists)
• Mandisa Thomas — President, Black Nonbelievers, Inc.
• Kevin Bolling — Executive Director, Secular Student Alliance
• Leigh Schmidt — Religious studies professor, Washington University in St. Louis; author, Village Atheists: How America’s Unbelievers Made Their Way in a Godly Nation