What do you mean by "Spiritual but not religious?"
"Spiritual but not religious" (SBNR) is how a quickly-increasing segment of the world identifies itself when asked about "religious affiliation." By using this phrase, someone might be indicating that:
- they've never been a church-goer, but they believe in God. Or,
- that they're still church participants, but they're going through a process of "deconstruction" due to questions, contradictory evidence, church politics, disillusionment with leadership, narrow-mindedness, doctrinal assertions that don't hold up, religious/spiritual trauma, etc. Or,
- that they used to go to church, but they have since walked away. Nevertheless, they still have faith in the Divine, just not the church. Or,
- that they were not raised within any religious tradition, but they feel a spiritual longing for Divine encounter and fellowship that they may or may not know how to fulfill.
What can I expect to experience at "SNBR?"
At these events, you will have the opportunity to learn about and experience a variety of spiritual practices in a quiet, peaceful setting, facilitated by a certified Spiritual Director/Companion and member of Spiritual Directors International. The hours are "open," meaning that there is no specific time commitment — you can come and go as you please during open hours. Your spiritual journey is unique to you, and no one knows better what you need than you do.
Each SBNR event will include a large labyrinth (like the one pictured above) that you can use for contemplative walking and prayer. There may be soft, contemplative music playing in the background to set the mood and help quiet the mind for meditation. Other available practices may include (on a rotating basis) journalling, prayer beads, mandala drawing/coloring, candle lighting, mindfulness activities, art contemplation, and others. Rev. Camlin, our spiritual director/companion who is also trained by Veriditas to serve as a labyrinth facilitator, will provide instruction for anyone who has never used a labyrinth (or encountered any of the other activities) before.
What is the cost to participate in SBNR?
There is no cost. All needed materials will be provided free of charge. A donation basket will be available for those who feel so inclined, but there is no obligation. Occasionally, there may be certain items, such as published books on subjects related to spirituality, for sale to those who have an interest in learning in this way.
Is this a Christian thing?
No. Spirituality (the desire for connection or relationship with the Divine and with the world around us) is not "contained" by any religious tradition. Whether we are Christian, Jewish, Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist, Sikh, or none of the above, humans are "wired" for such spiritual connection. And so, as we've emphasized, one's "religion" is beside the point.
So this is not a "Christian thing," but it is still for you if you are Christian.
Is this some kind of evangelical trap?
No. This isn't about "religion," so it's not about trying to convince any one of anything or an attempt to "convert" anybody. We want SBNR to a safe space for people to explore spiritual exercises that may help them along their personal spiritual journeys, and nothing more.
