In 2023, a little over 1 in 5 Americans described themselves as ‘Spiritual, but not Religious’ – meanwhile the number of Americans who identify as any kind of ‘Christian’ has fallen from 91% (in 1976) all the way down to just 64% by 2022. I’m sure that most of you, like me, have had multiple conversations with people who fit into this category of people who still believe in ideas like the soul, an afterlife, and the spiritual realm in general… but who are deeply skeptical or even hostile towards the idea of religion.
Even in Christian circles, it’s increasingly popular to express opposition towards ‘religion’ – or least towards the ritualistic and impersonal forms of religion. But what exactly do we mean by ‘religion’? Is just being ‘spiritual’ good enough? Is it better to be Spiritual than Religious? Aren’t religious people also ‘spiritual’? It can become confusing and overwhelming in a hurry.
Regardless of how these questions arise, we'll honestly consider them - and then take a deep dive into being thoughtful about what we believe and how we can be ready to give a solid answer to these questions.
Jesus is calling us to be ready to give an answer... and then to live out that answer with our lives.