“I’m spiritual but not religious” seems to be a popular catchphrase these days. But what does it mean, and does making this claim really solve any problems for the people who embrace it? CrossExamined Apologetics Team (CAT) member Jon McCray breaks it all down for us in this video. Watch and learn!
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You spoke as though this scripture doesn't exist:
"Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world." – James 1:27
First off just wanted to say I appreciate your calm and respectful tone in this video.
Now to my comment:
One does not need to abide by a specific religion to have community. So, a lot of the adverse mental health outcomes that you mentioned can be mitigated by finding safe secular community in career endeavors, hobbies, philanthropy, etc.
Beliefs about the origin of life, death, and purpose, etc. are all spiritual concepts that can be mused upon without the constructs of a formal religion. Spiritually minded people–whether religious or not–believe that their life and purpose is revealed to them over time in ways that are personally meaningful.
Reasons why people use the term spiritual but not religious include:
Some people have actual religious trauma. They leave their old religion and going forward, choose to avoid all religious communities due to prior experiences of mental, physical, or sexual abuse at the hands of religious authority figures or devotees.
Also, there are people who have had personal struggles (deaths of loved ones, addictions, serious illnesses, etc). In these times of personal reckoning, the Christian deities and Christian doctrine did not adequately meet their needs. So, their concept of “Higher Power(s)” had to expand and morph beyond and apart from what they were taught to allow them to overcome their crises.
Additionally, others use the term SBNR as a temporary label while they question their beliefs. Then, they ultimately settle back on their first religion, find a new religion, or become agnostic/atheist. This is similar to how some gay people use bisexuality as a transitional identity even though actual bisexual people do exist.
In addition, some folks identify as eclectic spiritualists or omnists. They use multiple sacred or philosophical sources to find paradigms that resonate with them. Thus, claiming one religious identity would not be representative or accurate. Some of these practitioners choose to practice solitarily while others join religiously diverse communities that still do not preach “One Right Way.” The Unitarian Universalists are an example of such a fellowship.
Many people choose to stay in the religion of their youth or the religion that their ancestors were systemically coerced into practicing. That does not mean those who overcome their concerns to leave their old religion are invalid because they use the term SBNR, no matter what the reason. The people who use this term know why it is being used and the term wouldn’t exist if there was not a need for it.
I grew up in a high-control Christian cult. I would rather be without a concrete, formal religious community than to be forced to practice a religion I don’t resonate with. No religious community is better than an unsafe religious community. I may choose to practice another religion, but I can be a solitary practitioner of that faith. This may change; I have freedom to decide my values and my path because I understand life is nuanced. Having friends who share similar ideological beliefs does not necessarily constitute finding a new religion. Just because some people use the term SBNR as a steppingstone does not make the term invalid.
Yep
As Christians, we shouldn't disparage people who practice some level of spirituality. We should do as Christ did and meet people where they are.
"So you're spiritual but not religious? Great! Let's grab a bite to eat and talk religion, theology, philosophy, spirituality, or whatever else comes up!"
Don't go into conversation trying to convert someone, because you can't, and odds are you'll put them off. Only the individual and the Holy Spirit working in them can do that. Our job as believers is to state what we believe and clearly explain why. We carry the Gospel, and the Holy Spirit converts those who hear it.
There is so much wisdom & truth in the Bible, even for someone who is not a Christian. I just wish people would be open minded to read & see what comes of it but that’s the real struggle, an open mind & heart
I once heard the spiritual not religious is like going to a restaurant and read the menu, but never order anything.
Great video
When I was a teenager I fell for believing that religion was not right for me. I decided at that time that i was more "spiritual" than I was "religious". That decision, of course gave me the license to be a total relativist when it came to matters of faith. If I did not like the idea of "sex before marriage" then I would classify that as religious. I lived with this relative moral compass for a long time, I read the bible but picked and choose what I liked and dint like.
But two years ago, God met me, and I met God. I realized that if Christianity is true, then all of it is true, and so I had to make a choice, be a luke warm relativist "spiritual" person, or decide to be a part of the body Christ. The decision was made, I joined a good church, got baptized, and I now absolutely AFFIRM Christianity by all its means.
Yes I am religious.
God bless you. 🙌
Before the 25. second mark, he says "the challenge with responding to that [I'm spiritual but not religious], if we want to show people that there's a problem with that, we have to understand what that means. In other words, to more effectively show them that they are wrong, we first need to understand that phrase. Yes, understanding. And, the human tendency to want to subtly foist an idea upon another, have an agenda when talking to them and, in the process, make them wrong hasn't been the best way.
Peter Griffin: Do atheists go to hell?
God: No.
Peter: How about people who say they are not religious but they are spiritual?
God: Straight to hell. To the boiler room of hell. All the way down. Sometimes I pull them out just so they think everything is going to be ok, but then I put them right back in.
Peter: Good. Good. That makes me happy.
This is a weak argument against spiritualism. What spiritualists mean when they say “not religious” is “not institutionalized”.
Wow. after reading these comments, I can see that there is a variance in the definition of the word "spiritual". The secular world has contaminated the words "spiritual" and "religion/religious" to the point where, depending on your audience, using either word to describe your beliefs can make you look like you are in a cult. E.G. Heaven's Gate is a religion, the New Age Movement is a spirituality. Both are not Christian, but that is the image non believers perceive when you use those terms
Spiritual and Astrology go hand in hand with the woke culture
How do "we so called spiritual people" which I am by the way how you doin?
Pick and choose in the bible when king James did it before us already, also other people translating the Hebrew to English.
Didn't "Christians" take on many different pagans holidays as their own?
Very great explanation. I know many people going the “spiritual “ route. I’ll add this concept to my arsenal. Thanks so much!
How do explain spiritual NDE’s?
I agree with what you're saying about communities having sets of beliefs, EXCEPT, the New Age community, which most "spiritual" people land in, doesn't have certain beliefs that people HAVE to adhere to. It's more "inclusive" and anything goes. People just kindly say, "that's cool, that's your truth, but not for me. I more so believe A, B, and C." This is the a problem that comes up against this video. Maybe you can do a video on this scenario, because "spiritual" people do end up thinking they're solving a problem by joining a New Age community of people that is by default inclusive, belief-wise.
I disagree. Religion and Jesus are on opposite spectrums and cannot coexist. Religion tells you that Christianity is about you and what rules you do or do not follow and is about how hard you push. But spirituality and actual Christianity tells you that you're saved by grace and that it's internal and about how much you do or don't trust God and act upon God's word. I understand your intentions, but I disagree with your definitions of religion and what people mean by "spiritual but not religious." I love God and the Bible, but I despise religion with all my heart
I’ve come to the conclusion that I am religious it’s just not the Christian religion. I believe in gods just older gods than YWYH, Jehovah. But I don’t have a temple or group so by modern standards I don’t have ‘religion’ even though I follow an old path of religion. It is pretty silly all this debating about people’s inner worlds. I guess humans have nothing better to do. We’re born we wander on the earth for less than 100 years then we die. Nothing special about it but we’re gonna make hell on earth to make us feel better about dying. I’m hoping that I get to go sooner than later because I’ve seen enough of humanity. A bunch of witless, fickle, cowering apes. Oh well it was kind of fun I guess.
I'm an Ex-Christian and that's for another day. Christians are saying of late; they are not religious. The separation to other Christian views & interpretations. One can be religious and not Christian, but one CAN NOT be non-religious and a Christian. Christianity, regardless of the 40,000 sects one may belong too is a religious 'entity.' Just look at the definition. Those Christians who claim they are not religious, may be claiming there not Christian. Got to be careful of Satan, he/she is tricky, if one believes in that story. p.s. I became spiritual and let go of my religion. Religion no longer exists with many that are spiritual. We acknowledge there is a Divine source of everything, no Hell, Sin, Satan, Judgment… where love and evil exists. Where free will determines what one chooses without judgement and hell. We are loved by the source; the rest is up to our individual free will.
This to me is a sensitive topic. I was raised Christian but I didn't really feel it. Went to church every Sunday as a kid. What really turned me off to Christianity especially was the genesis story with Adam and Eve. Y'all know the story. The woman was the one that screwed up everything..yada yada yada. And as a woman I felt unworthy of heaven because according to that narrative women were inherently corrupted. I have suffered a lot of mental trauma with these fake christian "outreach programs" so much that I avoided organized religion altogether. I do believe that there is a higher power whether I call it God (that's what im used to saying) or the universe. Now im not tied to any particular religion or anything so I consider myself becoming more spiritual.
Even the god from Family guy says spiritual but religious people goes to hell
Maybe a good diet will help with health issues too.
Faith is for people who have tried religion. Same with spiritual people we are all on the journey….
I will say beware of things like yoga or tarot and not relying on that spiritual relationship with Christ and others in fellowship.
I hate the arrogance & ego of religious people but I think everyone should love god
Very long The narrative that religious people hate god is just dumb it’s simply finding a path for yourself the fact that Christians go “they just don’t wanna follow god cause they don’t want to be held accountable” meanwhile some Christian can be pedophiles,grapist,killers,scammers, RACE HUSTLERS but they can fall back on the fact that they’re just a religious man who can do no wrong because they’ve been remorseful & god forgives them
Religion was built on politics and I know many "Religious" people who are drug addicts and have been divorced. They also suffer from depression. I know more people who are spiritual but not religious who live beautiful happy lives with one singular partner they married and stuck with. Many families that hold various beliefs in them also do amazing. I felt more isolated in religious communities, but have found so many people I connect with who don't all believe the complete same as myself and have thrived ever since separating myself from the religious community.
Difference between Religion vs Spirituality :
👉Certainly! While there may be some overlap between the two, spirituality and religion are fundamentally different concepts.
Spirituality refers to an individual's personal connection and relationship with something greater than themselves, whether that be a divine power, nature, or a spiritual energy. It is often characterized by feelings of wonder, awe, and a search for meaning and purpose in life.
Religion, on the other hand, typically refers to organized systems of belief that involve adherence to specific doctrines, rituals, and practices. Religions often have specific dogmas, creeds, and hierarchies of authority.
While some people find their spirituality through religion, it is entirely possible to be spiritual without adhering to any particular religious tradition. Conversely, one can practice a religion without feeling particularly spiritual.
Ultimately, the distinction between spirituality and religion is a personal one, and people may use the terms in slightly different ways. But at their core, spirituality and religion represent two distinct approaches to understanding the world and our place in it.
–(I'm spiritual but not religious meaning : The term "spiritual but not religious" refers to individuals who believe in a higher power or spiritual force, but do not adhere to any particular organized religion or set of religious beliefs. These individuals often seek to cultivate their own personal connection with the divine, rather than relying on the doctrines or practices of a specific faith tradition. They may also place an emphasis on principles such as empathy, compassion, and mindfulness as a means of enhancing their spiritual growth and overall well-being.
I am absolutely 100% born again Christian. Finally got baptized last year at the age of 44. However, I have said that I feel more "spiritual but not religious" since the term "religion" has been corrupted so much. So many false beliefs, false teachers, false prophets, antichrist-like behavior, etc. etc. and a tendency, from what I've ascertained, to just follow tradition, rituals, law-based salvation, etc. BUT, if I'm wrong to believe "spiritual but not religious" and shouldn't think "religion" is a corrupted term–tell me! Just like Colossians 3:16 says…"Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God." I'm open to correction.
What about Einstein or Spinoza ?
That's all opinions and not facts, saying leaving one group and finding another is in accurate. Not all groups have doctor's or dogmas that group members have to follow. You seem to be speaking from an inexperience point of view. Spirituality and religion is completely different. A religious person seek approval amongst other things, they most go through rituals doctrines and dogmas to prove their allegiance to the religion. In my experience in religion I felt more programmed and father away from God, spiritually shut out all the noises and brought me closer to 'God' it's a lot more to it.. but have a conversation with someone who is living a spiritual life outside of religion with an open mind and learn the difference❤
Are you religious but not spiritual? Are you Old Age?
Beliefs don't affect reality, either a thing is true or not,
The human mind is too variant so that nobody is not a heretic.
Nobody needs to forgive humans for being humans, humans will always be imperfect because, god made humans the way they are,
The world not being fair IS fair because There is no such thing as fairness (its a social construct)
Babies are born hedonists because they need to be kept alive, but coddled children become utopian adults that can't handle reality as it exists So its best to develop the self stoically.
no human organization is not human,
Everything in this world is worldly,
No written books were not written.
Treating all matter like it doesn't matter is nihilism.
Apocalyptic cults always think the world is at the moment of destruction, its better to accept what ever comes stoically, a true stoic is never in hell.
2000 years later the world still hasn't ended,
As the American specific rapture cult is panicked into ulcers from the placebo effect that they use to give themselves faith unhealing, giving rise to american specific reactionary edgelords,
If there's an evil force running things do you try to reconquer the world for good through good acts and expanding?
Or do you find a bunker and hope the world ends while your somewhere else?
"Sprituality won't solve all your problems". And neither will religion, regardless what religion it is. Akin🔥.