By Scott Bishop
In a recent CNN article by John Blake titled “Are there dangers in being spiritual but not religious?” John referred to a survey that stated more “millenials”, (people between the ages of 18 and 29 years old), identify themselves as being “spiritual” rather than “religious”. He describes it as trendy phrase people use to describe their beliefs. There is even an acronym for the phrase SBNR.
Okay, I’m more of a “tweener” myself having been born in the 60′s, but if I were asked about my religious views, my response would be the same…”I’m spiritual but not religious”. I have a tremendous connection to spirit and the divine, but I am not affiliated with any particular religious organization.
Now, I can understand why some of the religious pundits feel the way that they do, but to refer to the growing trend of SBNR as dangerous? Don’t you think that statement is just a bit melodramatic?
Organized religion is in a battle for its very existence. While people continue to the leave the church and new memberships are down, scandal and deceit continue to flood the headlines and haunt the hierarchy. Atrocities committed in the name of religion by inbred fanatics have worn down the resolve of many generations. Is it any wonder why people are thinking for themselves and disassociating from these organizations?
The very definition of spirituality is changing. No longer is the path to spiritual growth being considered to be through an organization with a facilitator that will speak to God for them. Spiritual people have come to the conclusion that the dogmas associated with organized religion and the “my way or the highway” mentality doesn’t serve anyone. They realize that God-fearing needs to be replaced with God-loving; that God is not a distant deity that resides “up there”, but that God is… and God’s love is… within all of us. Spiritually minded people are taking responsibility for their awakening and developing their own personal relationship based on all-inclusive love of humanity and spirit.
Is this dangerous? Some people think so. They claim that SBNR people are selfish, egotistical and just plain lazy. That “being spiritual” but not religious can lead to being complacent and self-centered while at the same time damaging the community at large. Their point is that SBNR people have no connection with their community so “why help the poor”.
SBNR individuals as a whole, care deeply about their communities, their environment and the damage that humanity has propagated on their fellow man and the planet. They are developing a very personal connection with spirit and God and have studied tirelessly on the subject and continue to grow, all the while maintaining an open mind that allows others to embrace their views without verbal or physical persecution.
All around the world, old structures, financial institution, corporations and governments are being dissolved and dismantled. The energy of the times is pulling away the veil to expose the abominations that have been committed. Organized religion has had their shot over thousands of years to spiritually evolve this planet and failed, the true meanings and teachings have been lost in a struggle for power, money and control. Tell me…where does the real danger lie?
Your description of organized religion does not resemble my church experience. It saddens me that that has been your experience. Human beings are not perfect and will never act completely without fear, prejudice and cruelty, whether in school, church, business, politics, etc. That’s why we need to seek God, who is love. I pray you will find God in your search.
I see your article touches on one side only
The main point of the article was is spirituality without dangerous? It did not ask anyone to quit the church. Change is difficult for most people but necessary for growth. “and the times they are a changin’” I can see why there may be fear attached to such a topic. Let’s open our hearts and allow our spiritual growth to blossom whether you subscribe to a religion or not. Spirituality embodies our minds and body and our hearts. Spirituality connects us as ONE. Spiritual growth is healing and creates miracles because we learn in our personal growth how to attune to our well-being which creates well-being around us. Your article was a breath of fresh air. I loved it and shared it. Thank you.
correction. The main point was is spirituality, without religion, dangerous?
I read and agree with this article.
I was in a religion my whole life that is until my mid forties and knew something was wrong.
Religious folk tend to argue and find fault to persuade us to believe as they do; religion sucks because there is no room for difference. It is as it says in this article “my way or the highway”
There is no wording that states “leave the church”, nor to believe what was written in this article. This article asks a question: is being spiritual vs religious dangerous.
This is a well written article that over the years found, that this is the “truth”.
I would have to say yes, it is dangerous because it takes money and power away from religion. Does it hurt the spiritual person; no way man.
Scott