10th place — 2024 high school essay contest: Emily Turner

FFRF awarded Emily $300.

By Emily Turner

In a world where religion is considered the norm, the principle of “separation of church and state” has never been a reality. This is evident even today, as proven through recent decisions on women’s and LGBTQ rights. The government was never truly secular, but as the younger generation enters adulthood and the workforce, the future may be promising. Gen Z has more individuals who identify as religiously unaffiliated than any other generation, and this can change our world and shape the future.

Perhaps the most effective transformation will come through voting. According to surveys done by the Pew Research Center, religiously unaffiliated voters tilt strongly toward the Democrats as opposed to Republicans. Therefore, they are more likely to support civil rights, universal health care and environmental protections. They are in opposition to religiously affiliated people, who tend to tilt toward the Republicans. As Gen Z continues to bring more religiously unaffiliated voters to the table, this will lead to changes in policies and laws and can transform the United States as we know it.

Additionally, according to a study by the Pew Research Center, the majority of “Nones” state that logic and reason are very important when they decide between right and wrong, as opposed to religiously affiliated people, who are more likely to say that their religious beliefs and the way they were raised plays a very important role when making moral decisions. This approach to decision-making is crucial. A world run by logic and reasoning is much more stable and promising than a world led by the beliefs of several different religions, some of which may be contradictory and extremely outdated. By being secular, Nones will lead the United States down a path that will ensure equality for everyone without religious beliefs and morals underlying our laws and the actions of those in power.

As a None, I approach all my decisions with logic and rationality, which has led me to form political and personal beliefs that are different from the majority of my community. I am not influenced by religious ideas or messages, which has been a positive attribute in my life. By believing in science rather than the bible, I can approach the world with a more open mind. I love to seek knowledge, and my curiosity has become my most beneficial quality. I am more understanding of others, and I possess a strong sense of justice. I do not judge others based on religious ideas, which has led to more friendships and deeper connections.

Gen Z, with its high numbers of Nones, will transform the world. Our ability to embrace secular values and use logic will help create a more inclusive and just society. And, perhaps, it will lead us to an age where the separation of church and state is not just a dream but a reality.

Emily, 18, is from Washington Court House, Ohio, and attends Case Western Reserve University, with plans to major in astronomy and engineering physics.

“I was awarded the Franklin B. Walter Scholar Award, which is given to one student from each county in Ohio,” Emily writes.

“I was a commended student for the National Merit Scholar Competition and am a part of our school’s National Honor Society. I own my own baking business, Delicious Delights, which I started when I was in fifth grade. Through my business, I have led three fundraisers that produced over $1,000 for the families of cancer patients, and I have donated to several local charities.”