Spiritual Struggles of Nones and ‘Spiritual but Not Religious’ (SBNRs)

Spiritual struggles are a distinct problem which have implications for psychological, social, emotional and physical health. They are not unique to religious persons; instead both the religiously unaffiliated (Nones) and those who call themselves “Spiritual but not Religious,” (SBNR) have struggles...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Author: Linda Mercadante
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2020-10-01
Series:Religions
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2077-1444/11/10/513
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author Linda Mercadante
author_facet Linda Mercadante
author_sort Linda Mercadante
collection DOAJ
description Spiritual struggles are a distinct problem which have implications for psychological, social, emotional and physical health. They are not unique to religious persons; instead both the religiously unaffiliated (Nones) and those who call themselves “Spiritual but not Religious,” (SBNR) have struggles with existential issues common to all humans, and which can be identified as “spiritual”. Nones are a very diverse group and different types of Nones struggle differently. This qualitative study, based on interviews in North America with over 100 Nones, particularly SBNRs, explains the types of spiritual struggles, with many examples and illustrative quotes. Nones’ key struggles are in the areas of Self and Self-in-Relation. This is a vastly under-researched topic which will only grow in importance, given the rapid and continuing rise of the None population. The topic is of concern to social scientists, but is equally important for psychologists, counselors, medical personnel, chaplains and others in the helping professions given that Nones will come to them for assistance.
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spelling doaj.art-48f81276f4d94cad8ba1e32952a9044a2023-11-20T16:34:28ZengMDPI AGReligions2077-14442020-10-01111051310.3390/rel11100513Spiritual Struggles of Nones and ‘Spiritual but Not Religious’ (SBNRs)Linda Mercadante0Methodist Theological School in Ohio, Delaware, OH 43015, USASpiritual struggles are a distinct problem which have implications for psychological, social, emotional and physical health. They are not unique to religious persons; instead both the religiously unaffiliated (Nones) and those who call themselves “Spiritual but not Religious,” (SBNR) have struggles with existential issues common to all humans, and which can be identified as “spiritual”. Nones are a very diverse group and different types of Nones struggle differently. This qualitative study, based on interviews in North America with over 100 Nones, particularly SBNRs, explains the types of spiritual struggles, with many examples and illustrative quotes. Nones’ key struggles are in the areas of Self and Self-in-Relation. This is a vastly under-researched topic which will only grow in importance, given the rapid and continuing rise of the None population. The topic is of concern to social scientists, but is equally important for psychologists, counselors, medical personnel, chaplains and others in the helping professions given that Nones will come to them for assistance.https://www.mdpi.com/2077-1444/11/10/513Nonesspiritualspiritual strugglesSpiritual but not Religious
spellingShingle Linda Mercadante
Spiritual Struggles of Nones and ‘Spiritual but Not Religious’ (SBNRs)
Religions
Nones
spiritual
spiritual struggles
Spiritual but not Religious
title Spiritual Struggles of Nones and ‘Spiritual but Not Religious’ (SBNRs)
title_full Spiritual Struggles of Nones and ‘Spiritual but Not Religious’ (SBNRs)
title_fullStr Spiritual Struggles of Nones and ‘Spiritual but Not Religious’ (SBNRs)
title_full_unstemmed Spiritual Struggles of Nones and ‘Spiritual but Not Religious’ (SBNRs)
title_short Spiritual Struggles of Nones and ‘Spiritual but Not Religious’ (SBNRs)
title_sort spiritual struggles of nones and spiritual but not religious sbnrs
topic Nones
spiritual
spiritual struggles
Spiritual but not Religious
url https://www.mdpi.com/2077-1444/11/10/513
work_keys_str_mv AT lindamercadante spiritualstrugglesofnonesandspiritualbutnotreligioussbnrs