In the 21st century, a person might find comfort in Buddhist incantations, be inspired by the environmental reverence of Wicca, and admire the Quaker emphasis on self-reliance only to combine them all into a unique, personalized belief system. This is the contemporary phenomenon of so-called "cafeteria spiritualism" (sometimes called "salad bar spiritualism"). It is the practice of individuals customizing faiths, or parts of them, to fit their individual needs. In earlier times, followers of a devout faith generally accepted all aspects of that religion on the basis that true believers wholeheartedly embraced every related tenants. Not so today. In the 21st century, Americans routinely pick and choose the aspects of a faith, or faiths, that best fit their needs. Thus, Gen Z Americans are less likely to prescribe to a specific religion, opting instead to identify themselves as the ubiquitous "spiritual, but not religious." What do you think of cafeteria spiritualism? Does it make more sense in a pluralistic society, such as ours? Or should we return to the old days, when a Catholic was a Catholic and a Jew was a Jew, etc? Finally, have you, or anyone you know, partaken in this style of faith?
Include at least two of the following in your discussion:
- "Most Americans Pick and Choose Religious Beliefs" (Christian Post)
- "Salad-Bar Christianity" (Christianity Today)
- "Deliver Us From Salad Bar Religion" (Reformed Theology)
- "Gen Z is Keeping the Faith. Just Don’t Expect to See Them at Worship." (Religion News)
- "Is Spirituality Replacing Religion?" (Deseret News)
Required:
- 1.5 pages
- MLA Style, plus works cited page
Submission Window: Thu 4.28 - Tue 5.3 (via Canvas)
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