#she talked a little but i wish she had time to touch more onthis like. super fascinating phenomenon where they incorporate elements of

[cruelsister-moved2]

watching this lady whos research is about studying americans who identify as “spiritual but not religious” and its uhm actually kind of chilling 😭 ofc their ignorance regarding other religious traditions outside mainstream conservative xtianity is unsurprising, but the extent to which they define their beliefs as a negation of (often misunderstood) perceptions of xtian doctrine is fascinating. but also:

- ‘because some interviewees found it hard to give up the idea of the comforting images of a God who guided and cared personally for them [...] some handled this by personifying ‘the universe’, making it sound somewhat interactive and benevolent for everyone, but also non-demanding and specific to their own needs and desires’

- ‘in the end the traditional view of a God who judges and rewards or punishes has been replaced by an anonymous process beneficial consequences for those who “wake up and pay attention” and dire consequences for those who don’t’

- ‘very few made long-lasting commitments to [community and/or learning]. instead, they credited themselves with the ability to see the universal truths or teachings common to all religions and practise them on their own’

- ‘when I asked what a functional and healthy spiritual community would look like  [...] they said it would be one which supported them, where everyone was free to believe and practise as they wished, and one which didn’t make too many demands. when i asked how they would recognise such a community if they went looking for one,many said “everyone would believe as I do”’

- ‘most SBNRs seem unaware that many others reject the same doctrines and promote similar theological themes as they do. in fact, some, when I tell them this, are disappointed or angry when I tell them how similar they are to so many others’ 

how am i not mean to literally just see this shit as NEOLIBERALISM: THE RELIGION