Pew Study: More Americans Identify as Spiritual, Not Religious
Americans Increasingly Defining Themselves as Spiritual Rather Than Religious: Pew Study
Most of us have encountered that person who proudly declares themselves as “spiritual” rather than religious. In the past, this often meant they simply didn’t want to put in the effort to attend church or engage in religious practices. However, a recent study by the Pew Research Center reveals a fascinating shift in the meaning of spirituality among Americans.
The study, which surveyed over 11,000 Americans, found that more people are not only rejecting traditional Christianity but are also embracing concepts that align more closely with paganism. The results show a widespread belief in ideas such as the existence of the soul, the afterlife, and a spiritual realm beyond the physical world. For instance, a staggering 83 percent of respondents stated their belief in the existence of a soul or spirit separate from the body.
While many still hold onto broad Christian concepts like heaven and hell, the research indicates a departure from traditional biblical beliefs about life after death. The survey found that 46 percent of respondents believe that the deceased can guide the living, and 27 percent believe in reincarnation.
Interestingly, the study also revealed that a significant number of Americans believe in the presence of spirits or spiritual energy in certain objects, such as crystals or stones. Roughly one in four adults hold this belief.
“57% of U.S. adults believe that in the afterlife, people definitely or probably can reunite with loved ones who also have died. Explore our full report on spirituality among Americans here:” https://t.co/9oVmvwbogE pic.twitter.com/sFwgFrAJbS
— Pew Research Center (@pewresearch) December 8, 2023
What stands out from the study is the growing number of Americans who are moving away from organized religion and embracing their own unique blend of spiritual beliefs. These individuals, known as “Spiritual But Not Religious” or SBNR, make up around 21 percent of the population. They tend to find spirituality in the natural world, with nearly seven in ten SBNRs believing that spirits or energies can be found in nature, compared to less than half of religious and spiritual Americans.
This shift away from traditional religious faith is not a new phenomenon. Previous studies have shown a decline in organized religion in the United States. For example, a Pew Research study from 2021 revealed that self-identified Christians accounted for 63 percent of the population, a significant drop from 75 percent a decade earlier. Additionally, the percentage of adults with no religious affiliation rose to 29 percent.
There are several factors contributing to this decline. The closure of churches during the COVID-19 pandemic may have played a role, as well as a perception that religion causes division and intolerance. A Gallup Poll released in 2021 showed that less than half of Americans claimed membership in a religious institution in 2020, marking the first time this has happened in the organization’s 80-year tracking trend.
One interesting insight from the research is that while meditation remains popular among Americans, it is increasingly practiced outside of a formal religious context. Nearly half of respondents described their intention for meditation as connecting with their “true self” rather than seeking a divine connection.
This shift in spiritual practices reflects a broader cultural trend of self-empowerment and individualism. In the past, Christian practices like prayer and repentance were centered around submission to a higher power. Today, meditative introspection is often framed as a means of personal empowerment, with the focus shifting from God to the self.
It is worth noting that this shift in spirituality mirrors the temptation faced by Eve in the Garden of Eden. The serpent enticed her with the promise of ultimate control and knowledge, leading her to prioritize her desires over God’s sovereignty. Thousands of years later, this game continues to be played.
The post Americans Increasingly Defining Themselves as Spiritual Rather Than Religious: Pew Study appeared first on The Western Journal.
What factors have contributed to the rise of the “nones” and the decline of religious affiliation in America?
Ntified religious affiliation has been on the decline for decades, with the number of Americans identifying as religiously unaffiliated now at an all-time high. This trend, often referred to as the rise of the “nones,” has been attributed to various factors, including a growing disillusionment with organized religion, a decrease in societal pressure to adhere to religious beliefs, and an increasing focus on personal autonomy and individual spirituality.
The latest Pew study adds further depth and nuance to this ongoing shift in American religious landscape. It reveals that many Americans who no longer identify with organized religion are not simply disinterested or apathetic towards matters of spirituality, but rather actively engaged in exploring and embracing their own spiritual beliefs and practices.
The findings of the study suggest that the rise of spirituality and the decline of organized religion are not necessarily opposing forces, but rather interconnected aspects of a broader cultural and societal shift. As traditional religious institutions continue to lose their influence and appeal, individuals are seeking alternative paths to explore their sense of meaning, purpose, and connection to something larger than themselves.
While some may view this shift as a rejection of traditional religious values and practices, the study suggests that many Americans are not abandoning spirituality altogether. Instead, they are reimagining and redefining it in ways that resonate with their personal beliefs and experiences.
For example, the study found that a significant number of Americans now incorporate practices traditionally associated with Eastern religions, such as meditation and yoga, into their spiritual lives. These practices, often adopted for their perceived physical and mental health benefits, have become popular avenues for self-exploration, personal growth, and a deeper sense of connection to the world around them.
Additionally, the study highlights the growing interest in alternative healing practices and the belief in the power of spiritual energies. Concepts such as energy healing, reiki, and crystal therapy have gained traction among those seeking alternative approaches to well-being and spiritual nourishment.
One possible explanation for this shift towards spirituality rather than traditional religion is the increasing emphasis on personal autonomy and individualism in American society. As individuals feel empowered to forge their own paths and make their own choices, they are less inclined to adhere to rigid religious traditions and more open to exploring a personalized spirituality that aligns with their unique beliefs and values.
While the rise of spirituality may present challenges and opportunities for organized religion, it is ultimately a reflection of the diverse and evolving nature of religious and spiritual beliefs in our society. As Americans continue to redefine their relationship with spirituality and religion, it is crucial for religious institutions to adapt and engage with these emerging trends in order to remain relevant and meaningful to a changing demographic.
In conclusion, the Pew study reveals a significant shift in how Americans define themselves in terms of spirituality and religion. The rise of self-identified ”spiritual but not religious” individuals reflects a broader trend of growing disillusionment with organized religion and a search for personalized meaning and connection. As traditional religious institutions continue to lose their influence, it is imperative for religious leaders and communities to embrace this shift and find new ways to engage and support those exploring their spiritual paths outside the confines of organized religion.
" Conservative News Daily does not always share or support the views and opinions expressed here; they are just those of the writer."
*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases
Now loading...