“Who are the Spiritual But Not Religious?” [SNBR]

People who self-identify as SBNR can be found both inside and outside religion, in all age groups and parts of the country. What ties them together? Just how diverse are they? What do they believe? Learn more about what researchers call the fastest growing “religious group” in America.

“Many Journeys – Many Practices”

Dr. Mercadante has interviewed over 100 SBNRs, as well as conducting focus groups, having scores of informal  conversations and visiting many SBNR sites. Learn about these intriguing persons who self-identify as ‘spiritual but not religious,’ including their backgrounds, spiritual journeys, hopes, ethics and practices.

“Meeting and Serving SBNR Folk”

Why do SBNRs distance themselves from organized religion?  Is there anything that can be done? How can religion help them grow spiritually, find community, inhabit sacred space, and contribute to the common good.

“The Background of the SBNR Movement”

The ‘spiritual but not religious’ movement has many roots and traditions.  Learn some of the historical, sociological, psychological and theological factors which have combined in a “perfect storm” to produce the recent and growing phenomenon of non-religious spiritual seeking.

“A Circle of Spiritual Guidance”

Dr. Mercadante has created a process to help recovering persons move deeper into their spirituality. Helpful for both counselors and those in recovery.

•    Read Dr. Mercadante’s article in the Journal of Existential Psychology about this new approach
•    Download in PDF format

“Religious & Theological Roots of the 12-Step Approach”

 A valuable program helping providers, clergy and recovering persons to understand the conceptual and practical roots of AA.

“Spirituality and Moral Injury”

“Moral injury” — transgressing one’s deeply held values — can easily lead to addiction. Learn how military veterans and other vulnerable populations can find recovery from this complicated challenge.

“The Spiritual Roots of Addiction & Recovery”

Dr. Mercadante shows how avoiding sharp dichotomies enables us to gain much more from a spiritual approach to addiction treatment. Her insights will support providers in better serving both religious and non-religious clients.

“Spirituality, Victimization and Trauma”

Dr. Mercadante provides a spiritual basis for such psychological concepts as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Helpful for recovering persons, clergy and therapists.

“Getting Some Traction: Ideas of Sin & Addiction”

Dr. Mercadante shows there are some surprising areas of conceptual overlap between the concepts of sin and addition — with important practical effects. Especially beneficial for clergy and counselors.

“Helping Addicts Move Beyond the Spiritual Wading Pool”

How do we help addicts recover meaning and purpose in life, as well as mature spiritually, and connect with a spiritual heritage? A valuable seminar for counselors and recovering persons alike.

Recent Presentations About SBNRs:

Wycliffe College, University of Toronto

American Academy of Religion, Mysticism Unit

Unitarian Universalist General Assembly, Leadership Consultation

Presbyterian Church (USA) Task Force

American Association of Pastoral Counselors

Chaplains Association of Ohio

The Mystical Positivist radio show, Sebastopol, CA

Older Wiser Lifelong Scholars, Westminster-Thurber, Columbus, Ohio

OhioHealth Pastoral Care retreat, Westerville Health Center, Westerville, OH

Wellstreams Spiritual Directors conference, St. Mark’s Episcopal, Columbus

Adult education, All Saints Lutheran, Worthington, Ohio

Beyond Tolerance Address, Juniata College, Huntingdon, PA

Progressive Brethren Gathering, Stone Ch of the Brethren, Huntingdon, PA

SBNR lecture, Trinity Lutheran Seminary, Bexley, OH

Religious Conversions, American Academy of Religion, San Diego, CA

Trinity Lutheran Seminary Winter Event, Bexley, OH

Spiritual Seekers event, First Community Church, Columbus, OH