In recent years, a surge in people identifying as “spiritual but not religious” has sparked discussions on whether we are in the midst of a collective spiritual awakening. This shift away from traditional religious structures towards a more individualized and eclectic spirituality suggests that people are yearning for deeper connections, both within themselves and with the world around them. With a growing emphasis on authenticity, personal growth, and interconnectedness, the modern spiritual landscape is evolving in a way that is uniquely decentralized and diverse.
A recent article in The New York Times explores the depth and variety of these new spiritual expressions. The author shared,
“When I asked readers who identified as spiritual but not religious to reach out to me, I was astounded by how much variety there was in the faith experiences of individuals in this group. Some said they found spirituality both in the beauty of the physical world and in communing with other people.”
This theme of spirituality rooted in personal experience rather than institutional doctrine points to a growing trend: people are forging their own paths to find meaning and connection outside the bounds of organized religion.
This shift is illustrated by Maggie, a woman who, after leaving organized religion, found solace in a 12-step program. She described the community’s emphasis on honesty and shared humanity as spiritually fulfilling, noting, “It’s about making a connection with a higher power. It’s about trying to improve that connection with prayer and meditation.” For Maggie, this kind of spiritual community offered an environment free from the hypocrisies she felt were present in traditional religious settings, focusing instead on genuine connection and self-improvement.
As church attendance declines, scholars like Robert Fuller, a religious studies professor and author of Spiritual but Not Religious: Understanding Unchurched America, suggest that the rise of individualized spirituality may not signify a loss of faith, but rather the beginning of a “messy new era of spirituality.” In Fuller’s view, people in this group—sometimes called “seekers”—often “view their lives as spiritual journeys, hoping to make new discoveries and gain new insights on an almost daily basis.” This mindset values intellectual freedom and spiritual exploration, often finding traditional religious institutions restrictive.
Interestingly, this rise in spiritual individuality is not without historical precedent. Fuller reminds us that spiritual beliefs outside of organized religion have been part of American life since colonial times, with early settlers practicing astrology, numerology, and other forms of spirituality. This eclectic approach to faith allowed individuals to draw upon a rich tapestry of beliefs, crafting their own understanding of the divine.
Today, many Americans resonate with concepts that would have once been labeled “alternative.” According to a 2023 Associated Press/NORC poll, 63% of adults believe in karma, and nearly half believe that spirits of the deceased can interact with the living. Others feel a connection to nature, viewing animals and elements of the natural world as possessing spiritual energy.
The COVID-19 pandemic also accelerated this shift, prompting many to seek virtual spiritual communities. Linda Ceriello, a religious studies professor at Kennesaw State University, observed that “These sorts of groups had plenty of momentum prior to the pandemic, but that circumstance cemented their presence and utility for so many.” This shift to online communities shows how people are finding new ways to nurture their spirituality, building connections without the need for physical church structures.
As hospital chaplain Brent Wright reflected, “Those of us who are living right at the cusp of this shift are the ones bearing the burden of the cultural assumptions that came before us that we’re breaking out of, but then bearing the uncertainty of what does this mean?” For Wright, his work with patients has led to profound moments of connection that he describes as deeply spiritual, irrespective of religious labels: “There’s a togetherness and aliveness that is profoundly rooted in the fact that we are both simply human beings and we’re here right now and I care.”
The diverse experiences and beliefs of people today suggest that spirituality is indeed undergoing a profound transformation. Rather than relying on established doctrines, many are exploring spirituality through personal experience and connection, driven by a need for authenticity and deeper meaning. While the future shape of this spiritual shift remains uncertain, what’s clear is that a growing number of people are embracing new, inclusive, and meaningful ways to engage with the divine and with each other.
Source: NY Times, “Is America Experiencing a Spiritual Awakening?” by Jessica Grose, published on July 3, 2024.
