Spiritual But Not Religious
A new study by the Pew Research Center has spotlighted an intriguing trend among Americans—a growing inclination to identify as 'Spiritual but not Religious' (SBNR). This exploration into the changing fabric of societal beliefs suggests a shift away from traditional religious structures and toward more personalized spiritual practices. A recent survey by the Pew Research Center, Spirituality Among Americans | Pew Research Center, revealed a pivotal shift in how Americans perceive spirituality and religion. The survey illuminates the growing number of 'Spiritual but not Religious' (SBNR) Americans who perceive religion as a cause of division and intolerance, a stark contrast to the views held by religious adults.
SBNR
- 42% of SBNRs (Spiritual but not Religious) state that the phrase "religion causes division and intolerance" describes their views significantly.
- 13% of SBNR Americans believe "religion encourages people to do the right thing and treat people well."
- 15% of SBNR Americans believe "religion helps society by giving people meaning and purpose in their lives."
- 14% of SBNRs relate spirituality to organized religion.
- 10% of SBNRs relate spirituality to things outside of organized religion.
- 43% of SBNRs mention beliefs in what we categorized as "something else."
Religious
- 11% of religious Americans believe that the statement "religion causes division and intolerance" describes their views a great deal.
- 54% of religious adults believe "religion encourages people to do the right thing and treat people well."
- 53% of religious adults believe "religion helps society by giving people meaning and purpose in their lives."
- 36% of religious adults relate spirituality to organized religion.
- 2% of religious Americans relate spirituality to things outside of organized religion.
- 27% of religious adults relate spirituality to beliefs in "something else."
The survey showed a substantial 42% of SBNRs agreeing a great deal with the notion that "religion causes division and intolerance," compared to just 11% of religious Americans. Moreover, SBNRs were less likely to believe that religion encourages ethical behavior or provides meaning and purpose to life, with only 13% and 15% agreeing with these statements, respectively, as opposed to 54% and 53% among religious adults.
The term "spiritual" was also dissected in the survey, with respondents asked to describe its meaning in their own words. Interestingly, 14% of SBNRs associated the term with organized religion, a figure dwarfed by the 36% of religious adults who made the same association. About 10% of SBNRs related spirituality to elements outside of organized religion, a notion shared by only 2% of religious adults. In a broader context, 27% of SBNRs explained the term "spiritual" by referring to connections with entities such as God, nature, their inner self, or humanity.
The survey also highlighted the elements that Americans consider essential to being spiritual. For most SBNRs, being connected with their true self (72%) and being open-minded (66%) were deemed essential. For religious and spiritual Americans, however, the most vital aspect of spirituality was being connected with God.
This research, funded by The Pew Charitable Trusts and supported by various other prominent foundations, involved researchers, methodologists, writers, editors, and communicators. The findings provide a fresh perspective on the changing landscape of spirituality and religion in America, a topic of ongoing interest and research.
One of the most significant Bible passages concerning self-love and human behavior is found in 2 Timothy. In today's society, this passage challenges the perspective of many who identify as SBNR; rather than embracing or supporting their beliefs, the Bible stands against the principles and ideologies associated with SBNR.