Data Challenges 'Spiritual But Not Religious’ Mantra

It’s common to hear declarations that someone is “spiritual, but not religious” — with assertions that this applies to many young people today. The implication is that even without the trappings of any formalized religiosity, a remnant vibrant spirituality can still remain. No doubt, that is sometimes true on an individual basis. However, when looking across broader statistical trends, a strong majority of people’s statements about not being religious are coupled with an admission that they are not quite as spiritual either. It’s also clear that church attendance tends to go with personally spiritual practices like prayer.