The Rise of Spiritual, Not Religious
By: Dr. Denise Renye
If I asked you to describe your spiritual or religious views, what would you say? (pause. I’ll wait, and even take a moment to journal about that question, if you so desire). Would you identify as someone who is spiritual and not religious? If so, you’d be a part of the 70% of U.S. adults considered “spiritual” because they think of themselves as spiritual people or say spirituality is very important in their lives.
I should point out there is enough overlap between what people mean by spirituality and what they have in mind by religion that nearly half of U.S. adults indicate they are both spiritual and religious, according to the survey from Pew Research. And then there are 22% of U.S. adults who count themselves as spiritual but not religious.
What exactly is spirituality? It’s deeply personal so hard to define but many will tell you it’s primarily about connection – to something greater than themselves, their innermost selves, loved ones who have left their physical bodies, and/or to all of humanity. How people connect varies widely – prayer, meditation, getting outside, lighting candles, rituals, tarot cards, crystals, etc. That’s the beauty of being spiritual – you can do whatever works for you. (If you want to create a spiritual practice but aren’t sure where to start, read my blog post about it.)
Is interest in spirituality increasing? Do more people identify as spiritual and not religious than in years past? It’s hard to say definitively but previous Pew research found a decline in traditional religious beliefs and practices. Specifically, that meant a drop in the number of U.S. adults who say they believe in God with absolute certainty, attend religious services regularly, pray daily, and consider religion to be very important in their lives.
While I don’t have any quantitative data, I have gathered qualitative data on spiritually embodied spiritual experiences and practices. Spirituality is increasing and I see this as an expression of the rising divine feminine, which isn’t structured or contained the way divine masculine energy is. The divine feminine whispers to you about an unseen world not wholly governed by logic and reason. She sings a song of creativity, joy, and connection that is for you and you alone. Identifying as a spiritual person may mean saying, “No thank you” to the hierarchy present in many religions and recognizing there is a Self within you that is wise, compassionate, and all-knowing. A spiritual practice helps you get in touch with this Self.
It's for this reason I care so deeply about spirituality. I view a spiritual practice as complementary to therapy and depth coaching because it can help to provide access to the internal world, which also occurs during therapy and healing practices. This internal world is where healing happens because it’s the untarnished part of yourself that is already whole, complete, and perfect. All of my practices aim to point you toward that place like a compass directing you home.
Some people may say that the rise of “spiritual but not religious” reflects the downfall of society because people are straying from moral values that are often found in religions but I say it’s the opposite. The rise of “spiritual but not religious” means people are more connected than ever before – to themselves, each other, and something Greater than themselves.
More connection is better for society because spiritual disconnection plays a part in addiction, including “socially sanctioned” addictions like compulsive eating and unhealthy behaviors around alcohol. Spiritual disconnection leads to poor treatment of the planet. Spiritual disconnection has dire consequences so I’m all for encouraging spirituality, whatever that means for you. A note: In an effort to be more spiritual, people may engage in spiritual bypassing, which means using spirituality to sidestep or avoid facing unresolved emotional issues, psychological wounds, and unfinished developmental tasks but talking the talk of an individual who is more “spiritually evolved.” That’s not the sort of spirituality I’m referencing here. Spirituality must be grounded and include the shadow, not only “love and light.”
Journal prompts
· Consider the role of spirituality in your life and the experiences that have shaped your spiritual journey. How have spiritually embodied experiences and practices influenced your understanding of the divine feminine and masculine energies?
Consider the idea that a spiritual practice complements therapeutic approaches and acts as a compass directing you toward a place of wholeness. Reflect on specific instances where spirituality played a role in your healing journey.
How does your spiritual identity align with or differ from other aspects of your identity?
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References
Alper, Becka A.; Rotolo, Michael, Tevington, Patricia; et al. “Spirituality Among Americans.” Pew Research. Dec. 7, 2023. https://www.pewresearch.org/religion/2023/12/07/spirituality-among-americans/
Smith, Gregory A. “About Three-in-Ten U.S. Adults Are Now Religiously Unaffiliated.” Pew Research. Dec. 14, 2021. https://www.pewresearch.org/religion/2021/12/14/about-three-in-ten-u-s-adults-are-now-religiously-unaffiliated/
Unknown. “In U.S., Decline of Christianity Continues at Rapid Pace.” Pew Research. Oct. 17, 2019. https://www.pewresearch.org/religion/2019/10/17/in-u-s-decline-of-christianity-continues-at-rapid-pace/
Unknown. “U.S. Public Becoming Less Religious.” Pew Research. Nov. 3, 2015. https://www.pewresearch.org/religion/2015/11/03/u-s-public-becoming-less-religious/