Spiritual But Not Religious: The Basics

Robert C. Fuller · William B. Parsons

Aug 2026 · Taylor & Francis

Ebook

174

Pages

Eligible

About this ebook

Spiritual But Not Religious: The Basics is an accessible guide to the defining attributes of individuals who define themselves as Spiritual but Not Religious (SBNR), who comprise at least 25% of the American population. Topics covered include:

What does it mean to consider oneself “religious” or “spiritual”?
What historical or cultural forces have prompted people to distinguish between them and identify as “spiritual” but not “religious”?
How did today’s expressions of SBNR emerge?
What are SBNR beliefs/practices?
What are the criticisms of SBNR posed both by those who are nonreligious and those who are more conventionally religious?
What is the future of SBNR in economically developed nations?

The book introduces the broad spectrum of beliefs and practices associated with individuals who identify as being spiritual but not religious. Featuring portraits of real people’s experiences of being SBNR, the book explains the terminology, historical background, contemporary expressions, and probable future of this enduring strain of American religiosity. This is the go-to resource for anyone interested in understanding more about the beliefs of those who are spiritual but not religious.

Spiritual But Not Religious: The Basics is an accessible guide to the defining attributes of individuals who define themselves as Spiritual but Not Religious (SBNR), who comprise at least 25% of the American population. Topics covered include: What does it mean to consider oneself “religious” or ...

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About the author

Robert C. Fuller is Distinguished University Professor of Religious Studies, Emeritus at Bradley University, USA.

William B. Parsons is the Harry and Hazel Chavanne Professor in Christianity and Director of the graduate program in religion at Rice University, USA.

Robert C. Fuller is Distinguished University Professor of Religious Studies, Emeritus at Bradley University, USA. William B. Parsons is the Harry and Hazel Chavanne Professor in Christianity and Director of the graduate program in religion at Rice University, USA.

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