Who Are the "Spiritual But Not Religious"? (#82) - a podcast by Dan Koch

If you spend any significant time reading or listening to scholars of religion, looking at polling of religious groups, or anything like that, then you have probably heard the term Spiritual But Not Religious thrown out there. This will usually come with a sentence or two of description, something like, people who do not identify with any particular religion, or people who are neither religious nor atheist. But I wanted to go further and better understand this group, not least because many of this show’s listeners find themselves in this category. Another fact often included when the Spiritual but not Religious are mentioned is that they are the fastest growing religious group in America; yet another reason to take a longer peek under the hood.

I’m joined by returning guest Terry Shoemaker, who is a researcher and professor of religious studies at Arizona State University. About a year ago he was on the show talking about what he calls culture war Christianity, and there’s a link to that episode in the show notes today if you didn't catch it.

In addition to discussing the SBNR, we also talk about the possible future effects of both the pandemic and evangelical support for Trump on American religion.

Terry’s episode from last year: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/to-escape-culture-war-christianity-16/id1448000113?i=1000434412065

The Myth of Disenchantment - https://www.amazon.com/Myth-Disenchantment-Magic-Modernity-Sciences-ebook/dp/B0727LKR8C
Losing Our Religion - https://www.amazon.com/Losing-Our-Religion-Unaffiliated-Children-ebook/dp/B010VIKQ0E/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=losing+our+religion&qid=1600044922&s=books&sr=1-1
The End of White Christian America - https://www.amazon.com/End-White-Christian-America/dp/1501122320
Terry.shoemaker@asu.ed

Edited by Scott Cangemi
Join the Patreon for exclusive episodes (and more) every month: patreon.com/dankoch
Email about the "sliding scale" for the Patreon: youhavepermissionpodcast@gmail.com
YHP Patron-only FB group: https://tinyurl.com/ycvbbf98
Website: youhavepermissionpod.com
Join Dan's email list: dankochwords.com
Artwork by http://sprungle.co/

Further episodes of You Have Permission

Further podcasts by Dan Koch

Website of Dan Koch