Why are people keen on saying they are “spiritual” without specifying what they mean?
For Americans in 2009, here are 5 reasons that just may be below the surface of this phenomena.
- “I want to be in control”- If I focus on a specific faith or philosophy and make it my own, I have given myself over to that belief system in some way. There will be things I want to do that I can’t because every system involves certain behavioral consequences. I also may have to place myself under the mentorship of another.
- “I want to be liked”- To adhere to one faith or philosophy makes me appear narrow-minded and may offend someone who follows a different faith or philosophy (Personally, however, this is never a problem for me what faith or philosophy someone else follows, unless, of course, they are a conservative Christian!).
- “I don’t want commitment”- If follow a specific spiritual path, I will probably have to “join” other people in that belief system and there will be expectations placed upon me. They might expect my presence at events or my financial support.
- “I am afraid of what I might discover”- On the surface, there appear to be weaknesses and strengths in every belief system, but I don’t want to study deep enough to find out if any is superior over the rest. You see, if I do discover a superior belief system, I can’t let you know. See #2 above. I like how I live my life, and I don’t really want to rock my own boat, where there is a possibility I might submit myself to any belief system. So, I am never really every going to examine a faith or philosophy in any depth, where I may end up being capable of making a logical and informed choice.
- “I want to appear mysterious without having to explain it”- Let’s be honest, it’s cool right now to say I am “spiritual.” It has a relevant vibe to it and says I am skeptical of any “organized” system, and so I also appear to be an open and “tolerant” free-thinker- which just increases the “coolness” factor.
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