Many spiritual but not religious couples want a wedding ceremony that reflects their faith.
But how do you do that when there’s no religious blueprint to follow?
It’s one of the fastest growing groups today– people who declare they’re “Spiritual But Not Religious.” But what does it mean? And how does it change traditional ceremonies like marriage?
How do you put something so mysterious, deep and sacred into words when you’re walking your own spiritual path?
“I’m Spiritual But Not Religious”
As it turns out, it’s complicated. For some people who fall in this category, they believe that spiritual “stuff” exists. They have faith or they’ve personally experienced that there’s more than the physical universe.
For others, it means they’ve rejected, to some extent at least, the explanations offered by familiar religions like Christianity, Judaism, Islam, Hinduism, Chinese traditional religion, Buddhism, etc. Turned off by hypocritical behavior, politics or intolerant beliefs, they don’t relate to these organizations. It just doesn’t fit. And feeling like they don’t belong anywhere, it triggers pain and confusion.
However, sometimes it’s as simple as the rejection of ritual– attending regular services, or of observing certain practices– than it is a rejection of a thought-structure. Some people keep pieces of their childhood faith and create a unique, personal relationship with their understanding of God.
Whatever the reason, this growing group of people transcends stereotypical religion. In an age where science has replaced God for many, it still doesn’t explain their feeling that there’s something more. Something bigger. Deeper. Awe-inspiring. And in their own way, they cultivate an authentic spiritual connection with lasting peace.
Whether it’s a walk in nature, meditation, prayer, yoga, or 12-step recovery, spiritual but not religious people are finding their own path to the Divine– and thriving.
However, when it comes to sacred ceremonies like marriage, their spiritual beliefs can become difficult to articulate.
