three people in a Christian chapel
Topic:

In the last decade, more and more people consider themselves “spiritual.” But what does this mean exactly and why does it matter?

We know there is more to the story, but little research exists into the range of perspectives behind these words and what this means for our personal, communal, and societal well-being. So, in the spirit of inquiry and embracing the unknown, we are working on our inaugural Study of Spirituality in America.

Through this study, we seek to discover what spirituality means inside and outside of connecting to the sacred through traditional religion. We want to understand which people who consider themselves spiritual, and also to those who don’t. We also want to understand how spirituality informs and guides people’s relationships with themselves, their communities, and the natural world.

In 2019 we launched a nationally representative survey to systematically explore these concepts. In preparation and in true Fetzer fashion, we’re beginning our work with conversations. We are learning from focus groups and interviews with people across the country. We are listening to learn what spirituality means to them and how it ties back to what is sacred to them.

Rigorous research and authentic inquiry underpin all we do at the Fetzer Institute. This study seeks to fill a gap in the field of spirituality research: How do people communicate about their own spirituality? And what does their spirituality mean for how they engage with the world?

We now have a clearer picture of what people long for. We know how they find meaning and what motivates their commitment to build a better world. With this, we can shape our work in the years to come.

Advisory Group, Focus Groups, In-depth Interviews

We also strive to connect people across disparate ideologies, perspectives, and experiences. More than just a research project, this study and its subject matter are an arena for convening. To do this, we've gathered an advisory group of nine. They have backgrounds in research, theology, activism, and practice. They are helping us navigate this rich and complex field.

These diverse experts join us from around the country and lend their expertise to each phase of the research. While something as ineffable as spirituality and the sacred is difficult to investigate systematically, we seek to stand on the shoulders of the researchers, experts, and deep thinkers who’ve come before us, letting their learning guide our approach.

We started with ten focus groups in three cities across the country. The cities were Birmingham, Alabama; Des Moines, Iowa; and Seattle, Washington. We are exploring how people see spirituality, the stories they hold about it, and how their own spirituality affects their daily lives. It also shapes their views about the world. In one-on-one in-depth interviews with people across the country, we’ll investigate where definitions and understandings of spirituality come from, and how spiritual identity forms over time.

We are eager to share everything we learn. In the buildup to the final study report, we will share many of the stories, ideas, questions, and other bits and pieces that arise from our conversations along the way. As with spirituality itself, we know that this journey will be at least as important as any destination.

Peter Cellier, senior associate at Hattaway Communications, helps coordinate the advisory group for this study.