5. Who are ‘spiritual but not religious’ Americans?
27% of SBNRs say the term ‘spiritual’ relates to feelings of connection
Embed
Post Infographics
- 5. Who are ‘spiritual but not religious’ Americans?
- Vast majority of SBNRs and religious Americans say people have a soul; but SBNRs are less likely to believe loved ones are reunited after death; and more likely to believe that parts of nature have spirits or spiritual energy
- Compared with those who are religious, ‘spiritual but not religious’ Americans tend to be younger, more Democratic
- 45% of SBNR Americans identify with a religion
- 9 in 10 SBNRs believe people have a soul or spirit in addition to their body
- Most ‘spiritual but not religious’ Americans believe animals, parts of nature and graveyards can have spirits or spiritual energies
- 38% of SBNRs believe in both heaven and hell, versus 82% of religious adults
- SBNR Americans more likely than others to say it is definitely or probably true that people who have died can be reincarnated
- 58% of SBNRs say they regularly spend time looking inward to connect with their ‘true self,’ with something bigger than themselves or with other people
- SBNRs are more likely than other groups to have crystals for spiritual purposes
- Religious-and-spiritual Americans most likely to be involved in spiritual community
- 55% of SBNRs have ever had a sudden feeling of connection with something from beyond this world
- 56% of ‘spiritual but not religious’ Americans feel a deep sense of wonder about the universe at least monthly
- 59% of ‘spiritual but not religious’ Americans say they have become less religious over the course of their lives
- ‘Spiritual but not religious’ more likely than religious adults to say religion causes division and intolerance
- 27% of SBNRs say the term ‘spiritual’ relates to feelings of connection
- 72% of SBNRs say ‘being connected with my true self’ is essential to being spiritual
1615 L St. NW, Suite 800
Washington, DC 20036
USA
(+1) 202-419-4300 | Main
(+1) 202-857-8562 | Fax
(+1) 202-419-4372 | Media Inquiries
Research Topics
ABOUT PEW RESEARCH CENTER Pew Research Center is a nonpartisan fact tank that informs the public about the issues, attitudes and trends shaping the world. It conducts public opinion polling, demographic research, media content analysis and other empirical social science research. Pew Research Center does not take policy positions. It is a subsidiary of The Pew Charitable Trusts.
Copyright 2024 Pew Research Center