We Americans certainly like to do things our own way. A new poll by the Pew Research Center’s Forum on Religion & Public Life found that a significant percentage of Americans mix, pick and choose different religious and spiritual traditions to fit in with their unique beliefs.
Do you ever feel self-conscious or weird about sharing your fascination with all things astrology, crystals, reincarnation or metaphysics? Well, don’t because a good 24 – 26% of American adults share your beliefs! Check out the breakdown of beliefs based on demographics, political and religious groups and see what category you fall under. (Fun fact: 30% of Democrats believe in reincarnation and spiritual energy…31% believe in astrology. Wonder what Obama believes.)
I’m not a huge fan of numbers, but it’s pretty impressive when a whopping 49% of the American population has had a religious or mystical experience which Pew defines as a “moment of sudden religious insight or awakening.”
For all of you ghost hunters out there, 29% of Americans have either felt the presence of or communicated with the dead!! A further 15% speak with Psychics.
But the most encouraging piece of information…significant portions of the Catholic, Jewish and Protestant communities all admit to believing in Eastern and New Age ideas. Does this mean we’re finally headed toward religious tolerance and a new world consciousness? What do you think?
13 thoughts on “Pick and Choose Your Spirituality”
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Nice blog alway fun to read. Go on like this
Nice blog alway fun to read. Go on like this
Nice blog alway fun to read. Go on like this
My beliefs are based on my experiences.
With a belief in God, yet knowing what the “soul” is capable of doing, I am able to cross all types of spiritual boundaries-I could sit with monks (and I have), take part in a tent or pyramid worship(have done), find something moving and miraculous in a mass or rosarie (and I have), feel peace in a yoga class(have done), observe cultural-spiritual crafts, see the phenomena in Karma, find something in common with each denomination in the New Testament and can light memorial candles on the Sabbath and feel Holy (still do). Yet, I still believe in other planetary life, Eternal world and spirit contact. I have tested/experimented with many “spiritual worlds.”
Treating others the way you would like to be treated is a key ingredient in human understanding and successful communication with the world. Learning to accept and listen to the beliefs of others is not only universal love, but, enlightenment to diversity and above all, a closer step to having peace on Earth. It’s a start at least.
Blessings,
Miss Krystal
No one put it more succincetly than Wayne Dyer in his quote,”We are not human beings having a spiritual experience, we are spiritual beings having a human experience”. In times of hardships, human uncertainty, life and death situations, all we can claim is our spirit. No one can take that away from us. They may take the job, but they can’t take your soul/spirit. I find that in communicating with people about my own certainties re: reincarnation, karma, I Ching, Astrology (The logic of stars), I pick my words carefully as my whole point is to communicate, but with facts, history and science. in hopes of just opening a window for thought. The idea of giving our power away is a simple one, yet many people never even think of it. We are of course headed toward a world consciousness. One World that binds us, One World inside us, One World to guide us, One World defines us.
Louise Luna
Thanks for posting this wonderful article Jen. Yes, like Amelia and Jacqueline I agree, its just everywhere 🙂 Here’s a perfect example…
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TP2P_dmY0PY
Warmest wishes,
Joyce #9598
Thanks Amelia! Did you read the whole study? It’s fascinating…definitely recommend if you have time.
Have a good weekend 😀
The world is certainly waking up! It’s everywhere we go. Have you noticed that many folks are walking around with a rather dazed look in their eyes? This look of ‘shock’ is the result of an awareness that is coming over them and coming for many different(and good!) reasons. The most obvious is the economy and how it is very deeply and powerfully affecting them and their lifestyle. But, saying that is JUST the economy is ignoring the real issue which is what we value. If our values are out of sync with what is truly important in our lives then shock is the first step toward a new world consciousness. Someone once said ‘shock is good for the soul’. And, that is what is happening now. Good Article, Jen!
This is a GREAT article, Jen! The subject is one I hope we can put on the site again and discuss more. With so much information available to us today, people are always searching and questioning. The BIG question is: ‘what life is all about’? Or, ‘why am I here’? There are so many ways to look at life and find those answers so we can life happy, fulfilled lives. As life is everchanging, our beliefs are doing the same. And, as we stay open to new and exciting ideas, our lives will do the same. Thanks for your insights.
Wishing you Blue Skies, Green Lights and Lucky Stars! Amelia ext 9772
Amelia
Jacqueline x9472 said,
What a fantastic article, love it! These are great percentages, this is truly a time for new awakenings, people are seeking higher truths, they are just realizing that there is definitely more to this life experience than ever thought.
Blessings Hugs and Hearts!
Jacqueline x9472