
Spiritual But Not Religious
The Basics
Routledge (Publisher)
1st Edition
Will be published approx. on 1. September 2026
Book
Paperback/Softback
164 pages
978-1-032-99456-7 (ISBN)
Description
Spiritual But Not Religious: The Basics is an accessible guide to the defining attributes of individuals who define themselves as SBNR, who comprise at least 25% of the American population. Topics covered include:
What does it mean to consider oneself "religious" or "spiritual"?
What historical or cultural forces have prompted people to distinguish between them and identify as "spiritual" but not "religious"?
How did today's expressions of SBNR emerge?
What are SBNR beliefs/practices?
What are the criticisms of SBNR posed both by those who are nonreligious and those who are more conventionally religious?
What is the future of SBNR in economically developed nations?
The book introduces the broad spectrum of beliefs and practices associated with individuals who identify as being spiritual but not religious. Featuring portraits of real people's experiences of being SBNR, the book explains the terminology, historical background, contemporary expressions, and probable future of this enduring strain of American religiosity. This is the go-to resource for anyone interested in understanding more about the beliefs of those who are spiritual but not religious.
What does it mean to consider oneself "religious" or "spiritual"?
What historical or cultural forces have prompted people to distinguish between them and identify as "spiritual" but not "religious"?
How did today's expressions of SBNR emerge?
What are SBNR beliefs/practices?
What are the criticisms of SBNR posed both by those who are nonreligious and those who are more conventionally religious?
What is the future of SBNR in economically developed nations?
The book introduces the broad spectrum of beliefs and practices associated with individuals who identify as being spiritual but not religious. Featuring portraits of real people's experiences of being SBNR, the book explains the terminology, historical background, contemporary expressions, and probable future of this enduring strain of American religiosity. This is the go-to resource for anyone interested in understanding more about the beliefs of those who are spiritual but not religious.
More details
Series
Language
English
Place of publication
London
United Kingdom
Publishing group
Taylor & Francis Ltd
Target group
College/higher education
General, Undergraduate Advanced, and Undergraduate Core
Dimensions
Height: 198 mm
Width: 129 mm
ISBN-13
978-1-032-99456-7 (9781032994567)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions

Book
approx. 09/2026
1st Edition
Routledge
€191.50
Not yet published
E-Book
approx. 09/2026
Routledge
€25.99
Not yet available
E-Book
approx. 09/2026
Routledge
€25.99
Not yet available
Persons
Robert C. Fuller is Distinguished University Professor of Religious Studies, Emeritus at Bradley University, USA.
William B. Parsons is the Harry and Hazel Chavanne Professor in Christianity and Director of the graduate program in religion at Rice University, USA.
William B. Parsons is the Harry and Hazel Chavanne Professor in Christianity and Director of the graduate program in religion at Rice University, USA.
Content
1. Terms and Definitions 2. SBNR's Beginnings 3. Combining Diverse Perspectives 4. Being SBNR: Beliefs, Practices, Personality Profiles 5. Criticisms and Debates 6. Glimpsing the Future 7. Retracing our Steps