What if I consider myself "spiritual" but not "religious"?

    There are various reasons why people describe themselves as “spiritual but not religious.”

    In many cases, it is based on the emerging awareness that all human persons are related in a common human community which transcends the divisions created by different cultures, ethnic groups, or religious traditions.  In other cases people who describe themselves as spiritual but not religious may be looking for an excuse not to be committed or responsible to any religious community; others may disagree with specific teachings of the church, are scandalized by the human imperfections in organized religion, or feel disillusioned or alienated from traditional religious communities. In many cases, there is a sense that the church has lost track of its main purpose and spends to much time and attention focusing on itself, instead of its mission.

    In many cases, individuals who describe themselves as “spiritual but not religious” are experiencing a natural process of spiritual growth which requires them to step back and re-examine the religious traditions and teachings they learned as children and young adults in order to understand and accept them as adults.

    However, because human beings are social beings our very existence is always rooted in a human community with which we share reciprocal rights and duties.  For the same reason, our faith and our spirituality are always rooted in a faith community; they are nurtured, expressed, affirmed, and celebrated in a community which shares our fundamental convictions about the meaning of life and the purpose of human existence.  For Catholics, commitment to and participation in the religious community is essential because we believe that our relationship to God is mediated (experienced and expressed) in and through the community of the Church, which is the Body of Christ on earth, in spite of its human imperfections.

    Being "spiritual but not religious" often indicates a person's desire to be connected to the wider human community and not a particular religious tradition, but this is like trying to be married without being married to a particular individual.  In another way, being spiritual but unattached to a religious community is like being married but physically separated or emotionally estranged from one’s spouse. It is difficult to maintain a healthy relationship under such conditions. 

    Although you may find it helpful, even necessary, to limit or withdraw from participation in a faith community at certain times or under certain circumstances in your life, it is disorienting and painful to remain separated from a community on a permanent basis. It is like being a spiritual orphan who in some sense is always longing to be reconnected with the parents and family where they belong.

• If you are a Catholic who considers yourself “spiritual but not religious” you may find it helpful to visit regularly with a pastor, a parish staff person or a spiritual director about your spiritual growth and your relationship to the church.

More FAQ:
• How do I resume participating in the Church?
• How do I continue growing in faith?
• What do I do if I feel like I am losing my faith?

Related Link:
• Information for Catholic Seekers

Last Update: 01.23.18