Survey Shows Eye Opening Insight On Spirituality
The recent Pew Research Center survey on “Spirituality Among Americans” reveals a shifting landscape in religious identity, with nearly 25% of respondents identifying as “spiritual but not religious.” The survey, conducted from July 31 to Aug. 6, sampled 11,201 U.S. adults, categorizing them into four groups based on their perceptions of spirituality and religion. Of those surveyed, 48% identified as both spiritual and religious, while 22% identified as spiritual but not religious. An additional 21% identified as neither spiritual nor religious, and the remaining 10% fell into the “religious but not spiritual” category.
The report highlights stark contrasts in views towards organized religion between those who identify as “spiritual but not religious” and those who identify as both religious and spiritual. Notably, 42% of the spiritual but not religious group believed that religion contributes to division and intolerance, compared to only 12% of the religious and spiritual group. Additionally, only 13% of those identifying as spiritual but not religious believed that “religion encourages people to do the right thing and treat other people well.”
Demographically, the majority (57%) of those identifying as spiritual but not religious were women, and a significant portion (58%) were under the age of 50. In contrast, a majority (55%) of religious respondents were over 50. Educationally, the share of spiritual but not religious respondents increased with higher education levels, with 37% being college graduates. Politically, 60% of spiritual but not religious individuals leaned toward or identified as Democrats, while 55% of religious Americans leaned toward or identified with the Republican Party.
The survey sheds light on the evolving landscape of religious identity in the U.S., highlighting the emergence of a significant segment identifying as “spiritual but not religious” and the associated differences in views, demographics, and political affiliations compared to those who identify as both religious and spiritual.
It is very sad that THIS VERY BLESSED nation does not recognize WHO has blessed us – – consequently we don’t THANK Him with lives that bring honor to Him. (NOR do we care HOW we live: “If if FEELS good, we DO it”)
Amen!! By and large it seems our country has totally turned its back on The Ten Commandments.
In God we Trust & the 10 Commandments should have first place in anyone’s eyes, especially the United States Constitution.