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Home Research Topics Religion Beliefs & Practices
Pew Research CenterDecember 5, 2023
5. Who are ‘spiritual but not religious’ Americans?

‘Spiritual but not religious’ more likely than religious adults to say religion causes division and intolerance

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‘Spiritual but not religious’ more likely than religious adults to say religion causes division and intolerance

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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

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