A growing number of Americans are stepping away from traditional religious institutions—and looking inward instead. While belief in a higher power remains strong across the country, the way people express and engage with that belief is changing.
“Traditional religions are not delivering what we need in the manner we need it,” says Melissa Saleh, a former lawyer and journalist turned entrepreneur. “In other words, religion needs a rebrand.”
Her words reflect a cultural shift that seems to be accelerating, particularly among younger generations. Rather than following organized doctrines, many are exploring personal, often eclectic spiritual practices—from meditation and energy work to journaling, astrology, or simply quiet moments of reflection.
For Saleh, spirituality has been more than a lifestyle—it’s been a source of survival. “My own messaging is SO deeply based in spirituality. It’s been my secret weapon for everything I have accomplished,” she says. “It’s also how I make sense of, and live with, the fact that my first child died suddenly and inexplicably while I was in labor.”
Stories like hers raise broader questions: What are people looking for that traditional religion no longer seems to provide? And is the rise of spirituality a rejection of religion—or simply a reimagining?
A 2023 Pew Research Center survey found that nearly 30% of U.S. adults now identify as “spiritual but not religious,” up significantly from past years. Millennials and Gen Z are at the forefront of this trend, often citing disillusionment with organized religion’s rigidity, politics, and failure to address personal or emotional challenges in a meaningful way.
While some people still find comfort in religious communities, others are turning to more fluid and personalized practices that offer a sense of peace, purpose, or healing—often without institutional involvement.
“People are craving community and meaning, but they want it on their terms,” says Dr. Ava Chen, a sociologist who studies modern belief systems. “For many, spirituality provides that without the hierarchy, guilt, or rules associated with religion.”
That personalization may be key. Unlike religion, which often offers clearly defined structures and expectations, spirituality tends to be self-directed. It can incorporate aspects of traditional faith or be completely secular. It allows room for grief, ambiguity, and emotional nuance—areas where some feel religion has fallen short.
But others argue that religion isn’t necessarily the problem—it’s how it has been practiced. Some religious institutions are actively working to evolve, creating more inclusive and flexible approaches in response to changing expectations. Newer congregations, particularly in urban centers, are experimenting with blending traditional teachings and spiritual mindfulness.
Still, the numbers suggest that traditional religious affiliation is declining, while spiritual interest continues to rise. Apps, podcasts, and online communities devoted to spiritual growth are booming. Bookstores are filled with titles on manifestation, the power of energy, and the “divine feminine.” For some, these resources provide comfort and clarity in a chaotic world. For others, they represent a break from institutions that no longer feel relevant.
Is this shift evidence of a deeper spiritual awakening—or simply the result of cultural trends, social media influence, and burnout from organized systems?
That remains to be seen. What is clear is that the desire for connection, purpose, and healing remains strong. Whether through a church service or a solo morning ritual, people are still asking the big questions: Why am I here? What do I believe? How do I make sense of suffering?
For Saleh, spirituality answered those questions when religion didn’t. But her experience may not reflect everyone’s.
As society continues to evolve, so too will the way we seek meaning. Whether religion reinvents itself or spirituality continues to grow in its place, one thing is certain: the search for something greater—whatever name it takes—shows no signs of slowing down.
