"Spiritual but not religious" - what does it even mean?

[KingsGambit]

We've all heard people describe themselves as such. I've never quite understood what it means. Is it just a general sense that there's something more out there but an uncertainty as to what that is, or is it something that actually results in any sort of life change?

[Thersites]

"Religion" comes from the Latin word meaning to bind, and I think that actually it's an apt word for what these people lack-- there is nothing particularly binding about what they believe. They have a vague sense of a higher power, but the obligations that this higher power imposes on them are very vague. Basically, if you're happy with yourself and nice to other people, you're doing everything you're supposed to.

Self-esteem and altruism are about as far as it goes. It doesn't make you go to church on Sundays, and it doesn't force you to learn about or defend 2000+years of your co-religionists denouncing heretics, launching crusades, etc.

Its benefits are more or less obvious, but I think it also has an obvious drawback in that it can never produce any philosophy or literature that couldn't be featured on Oprah.

[Chaotic Void]

We've all heard people describe themselves as such. I've never quite understood what it means. Is it just a general sense that there's something more out there but an uncertainty as to what that is, or is it something that actually results in any sort of life change?

From what I've seen of it, it's just more of a general sense of something being out there. Most of the people I've seen claim to be 'spiritual' tend to treat concepts and codes of ethics in known religions as a buffet, picking and choosing what they like without holding themselves to any accountability (or in some cases, logical thought). A term I've heard used by Catholics to describe Protestants ("Personal Papacy") actually suits these types quite well.

[TolkienFan]

In line with what CV and Spartacus have said, I would say it a rather vague declaration that a person has some beliefs about something "out there" that cannot be identified with any established religious tradition. Furthermore, this position is meant to be highly individualistic in that there does not seem to be any communal aspect to this sort of belief. It's just what the individual believes and it's just about the relationship between said person and God/the spirits/what-have-you without the religious community which holds beliefs in common.

[pancreasman]

Since all the responses so far have been at least slightly negative, let me play devil's advocate and try to see it under the best light.

People who claim they are spiritual but not religious are saying they recognize a spiritual dimension to life but refuse to be associated with any organized form of religion. Their beliefs may or may not be well defined but a key characteristic is their insistence that the spiritual path is an individual one and at its best this means not trying to impose your beliefs on others. They tend to see spiritual practices and even doctrines as human responses to the divine and not ends in themselves but rather tools that may be used to achieve spiritual development. A common analogy I've heard used is that of the mountain up which there are many paths allowing for different cultures and temperaments to be accommodated. Again, at its best, this kind of attitude sees its expression of spirituality as one amongst many in a company of fellow pilgrims and thus has the capacity to be respectful and inclusive of other faith traditions. (Yes, I know this doesn't happen sometimes.)

A common criticism of these people might be the 'smorgasbord' analogy where a selfish individualism is seen to be behind choosing practices and beliefs from a range of metaphysics. This criticism can be well founded in some cases. However, it needs to be remembered that such people often don't see doctrine or practice as final, definitive or ultimately true. Instead of the predominant Western model of thinking about one's religion as represented by a set of propositions that are either true or false, these people are more likely to see spirituality as a work of art where elements that resonate are incorporated into an organic whole.

Just some thoughts.

[shunyadragon]

We've all heard people describe themselves as such. I've never quite understood what it means. Is it just a general sense that there's something more out there but an uncertainty as to what that is, or is it something that actually results in any sort of life change?

Flawed selfish logic to justify what one believes is 'spiritual' and what other people who believe differently are 'religious,'

[KingsGambit]

Flawed selfish logic to justify what one believes is 'spiritual' and what other people who believe differently are 'religious,'

Can you point out what is selfish about my post?

[Jedidiah]

I amened that post and I dide so because I though he was saying that those claiming to be spiritual but not religious were using flawed selfish logic to see themselves as better, or on a higher plane. If I am wrong I want my amen back.

[pancreasman]

I amened that post and I dide so because I though he was saying that those claiming to be spiritual but not religious were using flawed selfish logic to see themselves as better, or on a higher plane. If I am wrong I want my amen back.

Whoever knows what the heck he is saying?

[shunyadragon]

Whoever knows what the heck he is saying?

Religion, particular the phrase 'organized religion,' has been a twentieth century scapegoat used to exclude one's belief from others. The JW do this big time for openers.

The origin of the word meaning to 'bind,' more correctly was understood to 'unite' those who believed in a common faith.

[shunyadragon]

Can you point out what is selfish about my post?

Your post posses a question, and does not in and of itself present your opinion. Present you position, and I may comment further.

I believe those that consider themselves spiritual and not religious, are trying to propose the being religious as not being spiritual. It is often used as a scapegoat way to criticize 'organized religion' or religions in general.

[Pilgrim]

Spiritual but not religious is code language for "i want to feel like I have a connection to something out there but I don't want it to mean I have to do anything about it. I want to feel good but have no responsibility."

[Tanakh Keeper]

Spiritual but not religious is code language for "i want to feel like I have a connection to something out there but I don't want it to mean I have to do anything about it. I want to feel good but have no responsibility."

I agree with Pilgrim. The people that I've encountered that used that phrase meant that they believe in a god, but didn't belong to any particular religion. Thus, they could make up whatever behaviors are covered by their beliefs as they go along.

[Cow Poke]

Spiritual but not religious is code language for "i want to feel like I have a connection to something out there but I don't want it to mean I have to do anything about it. I want to feel good but have no responsibility."

Glad I read all the posts before replying, because THIS is what I would have typed, more or less.

[Epoetker]

Code for "I am white and pursuing a liberal arts degree."