Perhaps you are a regular church-goer, deeply connected to a particular faith tradition. I remember attending a friend's father's funeral and learning that this 95 year-old man had been baptized, confirmed and married in that church. He had sung in the choir for 50 years and served his fellow congregants in so many meaningful ways throughout his life. I know that he was a good man and his faith and this particular congregation had informed his life in positive ways.
For many of us, that is an unlikely scenario. We are a mobile society and even if we wanted to, it could be difficult to remain connected to a single place or a single viewpoint in a changing world. The role of religion in society is morphing from what I experienced as a child. According to a Gallup poll in 2023, 47% of Americans considered themselves religious, 33% considered themselves spiritual but not religious and 2% consider themselves to be both, adding up to 82% that have some kind of spiritual belief system. That leaves 18% who say they are neither.
A quarter century earlier in 1999, 90% had a spiritual belief system and just three years later, in 2002, it had dropped 3 percentage points and the trend continues downward. Couple that retreat from spirituality with the rise of politically infused Christian Nationalism which seeks to merge Christian and American identities, distorting both the Christian faith and America’s constitutional democracy.
Christian Nationalism presents a powerful message of the need for spiritual warfare in a cosmic battle between good and evil. Imagine the pull of being part of the end times army! Hundreds of participants in January 6th were adherents of the New Apostolic Reformation movement and there are other Christian Nationalist church organizations, which once were fringe, but now are gaining prominence. Pete Hegseth, the local boy gone radical spreader of Fox news propaganda is a member of an aligned congregation in Tennessee.
The strength of religion as a force for good is losing its hold on Americans, of all ages, but particularly among younger Americans at the same time that it is being perverted into a force for power and domination by the self-proclaimed righteous Christian Nationalists, basking in their close connections to governmental power.
Hopefully there are still many churches that provide solace, inspiration and community and if you are lucky enough to belong to one, it can be a real treasure in the years ahead.
If you feel disconnected from church you may still feel the pull, strongly or just a quiet nudge in the back of your mind to find connection to something bigger, deeper, more profound than the chaos of the world around you. For your consideration, I share this compilation
STEP 15:
Key aspects of finding your spiritual core:
Self-reflection:
Deeply examining your thoughts, feelings, and experiences to identify what truly matters to you and what gives your life meaning.
Spiritual practices:
Engaging in activities like meditation, prayer, journaling, spending time in nature, or connecting with a spiritual community to access a deeper sense of self.
Identifying core values:
Recognizing the fundamental principles that guide your decisions and actions, such as compassion, integrity, honesty, or service to others.
Exploring your purpose:
Questioning your reason for being on earth and what contribution you want to make to the world.
How to start exploring your spiritual core:
Meditation:
Practice mindfulness to quiet your mind and connect with your inner self.
Journaling:
Write down your thoughts, feelings, and experiences to gain insights into your values and beliefs.
Nature walks:
Immerse yourself in the natural world to feel a sense of connection to something larger than yourself.
Gratitude practice:
Actively focus on the things you are thankful for to cultivate a positive mindset.
Volunteer work:
Serving others can help you discover your purpose and connect with your community.
Seek guidance:
Consider talking to a spiritual leader, counselor, or trusted friend for support and different perspectives.
Important points to remember:
It's a personal journey: Your spiritual core will be unique to you and may evolve over time.
Be patient: Finding your spiritual core is a process that requires time and consistent effort.
Embrace curiosity: Be open to exploring different practices and beliefs to find what resonates with you.
Don't compare yourself to others: Focus on your own individual path and growth.
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