Religiously Unaffiliated Rise Globally With Widespread Spiritual Beliefs

A recent Pew Research Center survey reveals that while the number of religiously unaffiliated individuals, or "nones," is rising globally, many still hold spiritual beliefs such as belief in life after death, God, and spiritual energies. The study, covering 22 countries, found that a significant portion of "nones" believe in an afterlife, with some countries like Brazil and South Africa showing particularly high beliefs in God among the unaffiliated. Despite their lack of formal religious affiliation, many "nones" engage in spiritual practices like prayer and express beliefs in ancestral spirits and nature's spiritual energies. However, a majority of "nones" also express critical views of religion's societal impact, with over half indicating that religion hurts society, notably in Greece, Australia, and the UK. The findings underscore the complexity and diversity within the category of "nones," challenging the notion that religious disaffiliation equates to a loss of spirituality or belief. This evolving landscape suggests a transformation in how faith and spirituality are understood in contemporary society.