The number of Americans who self-identify as a member of a religion is on the decline. Despite this, a higher number are reporting that they feel "spiritual", according to a survey by Pew Research.
From the numbers alone it's not possible to discern the specific reasons why those who assert that they do experience spirituality don't identify as religious. But from speaking to non-religious friends, family members and colleagues most of us will be aware of things that present a barrier to those who maintain that they are anti-religion but simultaneously seek spirituality. For example, the belief in any number of common myths about Christians and Christianity can alienate non-believers from considering the Christian faith as an option for them.
In the context of the survey conducted by Pew Research, spirituality referred to "the experience of a deep sense of spiritual peace and well-being" and "wonder about the universe". As Christians, this is something that we can relate to. We can often experience a deep sense of spiritual peace during times of prayer, worship or on other occasions when God reveals himself to us. And, of course, we see the universe as a wonder of God's creation, (Genesis 1:1).
There's been a concerted effort by many Christians to change the way that people think of Christianity by stressing that it's about a relationship with Jesus and not about a religion. But just because Christianity is a religion doesn't mean that it's an exclusive club for perfect people, (1 Timothy 2:4). And just because you don't already identify as a Christian doesn't mean you can't ever experience God's presence.
The experience of "spirituality" by those who aren't practising Christians could reveal that there is a desire to connect with a being greater than themselves. This is something that we see Paul encounter in Acts 17:23, "I even found an altar with this inscription: To an unknown God. So you are ignorant of the very thing you worship - and this is what I am going to proclaim to you."
Statistics which detail the falling numbers of people that identify themselves as religious can be interpreted as the forming of an increasingly secular society. But the inclination towards spirituality could be a positive thing as it suggests that there is still a belief among many that there is more to life than this. And as Paul did, it's for us to make it known what that means.
