Each year several studies show, more and more Americans are leaving religion and the church. In 2014, the General Social Survey found the U.S. has about 7.5 million Americans who are no longer active in religion.
Whether that is through praying, fasting, meditating or other actions, individuals are finding other ways to stay spiritually connected outside of the church’s traditional four walls.
The Indianapolis Recorder Newspaper spoke with a few residents to ask them, how do you stay in touch with your spirituality outside of church?
“If I miss church, I will either stream (service) or read and pray for about one hour or so in complete quiet with (all) electronic devices off. Then I take some time to think about what I read and write about it in my journal. Also my grandma taught me to read Scripture every morning and at night before I sleep.”
Bryan Chatfield
“I do pray, but when I am looking at the morality of my words and actions, it is more like a quick meditation. I am sure to think of God in both good and bad situations. The best way for me to do that is to ask is there any morality in my actions or words? Am I saying and doing something any person who is moral would do? Do I inspire and encourage others like a spiritual person would do? I stay in touch with the spiritual by checking my daily actions with that of what God would approve.”
Lauren Reeves
“I try and go to church whenever I’m in Indianapolis, (but) while away, my faith is strong and I pray everyday and I know God is always with me. I don’t fast – maybe I could drop a few pounds if I did – but I do pray a lot. Sometimes the prayers are answered in my favor, (and) sometimes not. (I) get a response either way and because of that, I know God is there and I trust things happen the way they do for the best.”
Cameron Riddle
“I basically practice what is preached. I’ve incorporated sage burning, meditation, and candle lighting along with prayer.”
Shay Leslie
