Satan's Spiritual Too

“I’m spiritual, but not religious.” What do you mean by that? I’m convinced that those who say this do so without thinking. It might seem harmless, but there’s something problematic with calling ourselves “spiritual but not religious.” To wit, Satan is spiritual too. I doubt that anyone who calls himself “spiritual but not religious” has that in mind, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t true. So to those who claim they are “spiritual but not religious”, we must ask: What spirit is making you spiritual?

Despite the problems of the “spiritual but not religious” designation, and despite the fact that it often contains minimal thought, I think it can be redeemed. There is truth to it, and it can identify something good. However, the Church needs to be clear about the true and good meaning of “spiritual but not religious”.

By “spiritual” we must mean “led by the Holy Spirit.” That is, we must mean that the Spirit of Christ dwells in our hearts through faith, and that he keeps us rooted and grounded in love. (Ephesians 3:17) It’s worth noting that this same Spirit won’t contradict Jesus, for “he will not speak on his own…he will take what is mine and declare it to you.” (John 16:13, 14)

Thus, a spirit that contradicts God’s Word is not the Holy Spirit, and the person led by such an evil spirit is not “spiritual” in a good sense. By way of contrast, the truly spiritual person clings to the Christ’s Spirit of truth. In turn, this same Spirit makes God’s Word “living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword.” (Hebrews 4:12)

Next, by “not religious” we must mean “free from bondage.” (The word “religion” comes from the Latin word “religio”, which denotes bondage to a law.) The phrase “not religious” must be framed by Romans 8:2: “For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and death.”

In other words, the good meaning of “not religious” is that we are not in bondage to the law of sin and death. The person who says that he is “not religious” but remains enslaved to his own worldly appetites and ambitions doesn’t know how mistaken he is. In contrast, the person who is “not religious” in the good sense must be – because of the Spirit of Christ within – no longer in bondage to sin.  As it's written, “Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.” (2 Corinthians 3:17)

Finally, by “spiritual but not religious” we must mean someone who is like Mary rather than Martha. (Luke 10:38-42) Recall that Mary “sat at the Lord’s feet and listened to what he was saying,” while Martha “was distracted by her many tasks.” Jesus’ speaks to the religious Martha about the spiritual Mary: “Martha, Martha, you are worried and distracted by many things; there is need of only one thing. Mary has chosen the better part, which will not be taken away from her.”

So the next time someone says he is “spiritual but not religious”, I recommend responding thusly: “Do you mean you’re like Mary, and that instead of being enslaved to worldly appetites and ambitions, you cling to the Holy Spirit of Christ in faith, hope, and love?” Somehow I doubt he’d say, “Yep, you nailed it.” Nonetheless, maybe it will get him to put some thought behind his words. And maybe – hope against hope – his ears would be open to hear the Word of the One who sets the prisoners free.