So asks the cover of Parade magazine, Oct. 4 issue, with a big article about their poll of over 1000 Americans. The survey’s key finding that “spirituality” is gaining as religion recedes might be okay with Christian Scientists, who reach out to the world these days via Spirituality.com. But it’s concerning to me, believing as I do that all roads do not lead to the top of the mountain, since Jesus Christ alone is the Way.

Here’s the story in full. Below is part of Parade’s analysis:

What Americans are doing today is separating spirituality from religion, with many people disavowing organized practice altogether while privately maintaining some form of worship. The old terms—“atheist” and “agnostic”—are no longer catch-alls for everyone outside traditional belief. In fact, 24% of respondents put themselves into a whole new category: “spiritual but not religious.”

That phrase means different things to different people. Some may be members of traditional religions but want to signal that they aren’t legalistic or rigid. At the other end of the spectrum, “spiritual but not religious” can apply to someone who has combined diverse beliefs and practices into a personal faith that fits no standard definition.