New and upcoming books aimed at religiously independent readers, so-called independents, focus on unconventional sources of spiritual inspiration that are as diverse as the readers themselves. Atheists, agnostics, and nonreligious people, who researchers define as “nothing in particular,” will grow up to be atheists, agnostics, and nonreligious people in 2023, according to the Pew Research Center’s “Religious Idiots in America” report. accounted for 28% of adult Americans earlier this year. More recently, the Public Religion Research Institute’s “Religious Change in America” study found that the only major religious group to experience growth in 2023 will be “independents,” representing 26% of Americans. There was found.
As more Americans become allergic to religion, publishers are increasingly offering new options for fulfillment. “I think there’s a strong appetite for non-religious but spiritual books as people seek meaning, purpose and healing outside of traditional institutions,” says Donna Loffredo, editor-in-chief of Harmony & Rodale.
Maya Alpert, an associate editor who works in the Spiritual and Wellness category at HarperOne, says books about holistic healing “offer wisdom and aesthetic appeal across identity, culture, or religious and spiritual affiliation.” He points out that the demand for She added: “There is a growing number of books that offer a personalized approach to a better life, help readers turn inward for growth and transformation, and dispel health myths spread on social media. I feel that way,” he added.
According to acquisitions editor Heather Green, Llewellyn’s work reveals “how spiritual experience, depth of knowledge, and emotional healing can all be discovered without a formal belief system.” It is said to be leaning.
There aren’t many of them
Some non-churchists identify themselves as “non-church,” “establishment,” or “evangelical,” all of which indicate a departure from their original faith. Still others don’t want to label their spiritual lifestyle at all. Adults with no religious affiliation also have a wide range of beliefs, although they check the “none” box when asked to specify their religion.
The Pew survey found that fewer than 13% believe in the God of the Bible, while a majority (56%) believe in a higher power. However, this group rarely attends religious services. This may be a problem for the church, but it’s not a problem for publishers. This is an opportunity to help readers who are looking for guidance, encouragement, and comfort in the rituals, sacraments, and community that were once available for worship.
Joe Grimm, a journalism professor at Michigan State University and founding editor of the school’s Bias Busters, a series of guides aimed at better understanding aspects of American culture, said, They have simply become more comfortable admitting that they are not part of an organized religion.” . The latest edition of Bias Busters is 100 Questions and Answers about Non-Religious People: Non-Religious People, Agnostics, Atheists, Humanists, Freethinkers, Secularists, Skepticswas published in collaboration with Front Edge in March and outlines how vast and diverse the religiously independent group is.
“This project was inspired by the news that the number of religiously independent people has now surpassed the major religions in the United States, such as evangelicalism and Catholicism,” Grimm said. “This surprised many people and changed the way they think about religion today.”
From June’s Skinner House, Celebrating All: Ritual for Transition and TransformationEdited by Heather Concannon and Alison Palm, this book is designed to mark life milestones such as birth, death, marriage or the end of a marriage, joining a blended family, changing name or pronouns, and other developments. It provides instructions and guidance. Accessibility experts have reviewed this book to ensure that the rituals in place are inclusive to all groups and that the title is intended for readers of all (or no) faith backgrounds. did. According to the publisher, “This book enables people to claim ritual for themselves outside of traditional faith community settings and without traditional religious beliefs.” That’s what it means.
direct access to god
Readers without religious affiliation who seek solutions to life’s problems can find this book among a variety of other books. “People were never meant to make things happen, solve problems, make decisions, or solve problems on their own in life,” writes Tammy Mastrobert. More advanced help methods (Seems to be true, April). “You have direct access to God and a dedicated team of higher helpers to support you: the universe, your angels, guides, deceased loved ones, and countless other higher guides. The purpose of this book is to teach readers how to call upon guidance from these sources, including by recognizing the signs.
Heavenly Alliance: Call on your spirit guides, ancestors, and angels to manifest the life you desire Written by Samantha Fay (RWW, October) is a forgiveness practice, energy cleansing designed to help readers tap into their innate spiritual gifts to create fulfilling lives and reach higher consciousness. This book features practical and visualization techniques.
Real-life intuition: Amazing stories of people who listen to their inner voices (Llewellyn, out now) positions universal energy as a source of wisdom and a tool for physical and emotional health. Author Melanie Burnham, a life coach and medium, collects experiences from doctors, lawyers, therapists, and other professionals who have used their intuition to guide success and joy.
your deepest ground John J. Prendergast (Sounds True, on sale now) emphasizes the importance of the root chakra as a source of grounding and stability, and that it supports healing, spiritual growth, and self-awareness. , claims that it tends to lead to self-confidence.
Please search your soul
Those seeking spiritual wisdom and empowerment are leaving no stone unturned, as reflected in spirituality books that promote the cosmic qualities of everything from root vegetables to the moon.
African healing art takes center stage Homeland Herbs: Stories of African Holistic Health (HarperOne, June), featuring recipes and rituals for holistic health. Author Stephanie Rose Bird draws inspiration from ancestral stories, spiritual helpers, herbalism, nature, and folk remedies to provide guidance in the areas of gardening, spirituality, and health. Alpert of HarperOne describes the book as “a surprisingly comprehensive collection of comprehensive herbal wisdom.” Bird writes: “The message of this book is to hold on to your yams, collards, watermelons, and root vegetables. There is magic, mystery, connection, and healing stored within them.”
in path of virtue By exploring the spiritual wisdom contained within our bodies, especially our organs, Robert Penn, author of “Sounds True” (June issue of Sounds True), shares the benefits of the Chinese self-healing practice Qigong with all spiritual beings. We aim to bring this to the seeker. “I try to present Xiao Yao’s teachings in the simplest way possible so that they can be a guide to as many people from as many backgrounds as possible,” Penn writes in the book. “If you practice diligently, you too can progress toward perfection and awaken virtue.”
The Gift of Sleep: Powerful Practices for Embracing the Wisdom and Spiritual Gifts of Sleep Claire R. Johnson (Llewellyn, January 2025) argues that the conscious mind is active even during sleep, and that dreams can provide opportunities for growth. “We have a lot to discover about what’s happening in the sleep state and how to get the most out of it,” says Llewellyn’s Green. “This book talks about sleep as a powerful resource for deep healing. During sleep, dreams are a tool to solve problems, manage anxiety, and restructure the mind.”
Magic, the practice of reshaping reality through intention and will, can benefit from the power of the moon, writes Julia Harina Hadas in her book. Modern Magic Book of Moon Magic (S&S, on sale now). This book explores all the moon phases and their effects on magical practices, spells, and rituals.
DIY beliefs
As demand for eclectic or non-traditional approaches to spirituality grows, new books combine different traditions to form do-it-yourself religions. From Anxiety to Empowerment: Exercises and Meditations to Stop Stressing and Start Working on It Written by Amanda Huggins (Llewellyn, May) prescribes journaling, visualization, meditation, and other practices aimed at tapping into the soul’s inherent wisdom.
In addition to shaking up traditional spiritual practices, the authors reconsider traditional religious teachings. Mysterious Jesus: Heart of Love The book by Marianne Williamson (HarperOne, May 2024) explores Jesus as a “real spiritual force” whose spirit is alive today, according to the publisher. (For more on Williamson, see “The Heart of Love” on page 21.)
Salt of the Universe: Praise, Song, and Improvisation Written by Amy Leach (FSG, August) explores earthly pleasures: music, coffee, love, and what the publisher calls “the wild joys of experience and improvisation.” The Pushcart Prize winner’s reach is based on her close-up.
We invite the Seventh-day Adventist Church to weigh in on issues of freedom, the soul, Jesus, and more while criticizing fundamentalism in all its forms.
The wild side of spirituality
The natural world may play an important role in our mental health, according to three new titles.Craig Foster, Academy Award-winning documentary film director my octopus teacherexplores the spiritual power of nature. Amphibious Soul: Finding the Wild in a Domestic World (HarperOne, May). This memoir features stories from Foster’s decades of ocean diving, with the goal of helping readers celebrate the beauty of our planet and deepen their love for all living things.
Based on animism, From Elders to Ancestors: Connecting Nature in All Seasons of Life Written by S. Kelly Harrell (Destiny, June issue) argues that a direct, personal connection to nature helps readers form a deeper understanding of the world around them.
Theologian and former pastor Tony Jones talks about how spending time outdoors led him away from traditional Christianity and towards an emerging church movement in America. God of Wild Places: Rediscovering Divinity in the Wild Outdoors (R&L, currently on release). “Tony traced his journey from the church to the forest that transformed his divine experience,” says Richard Brown, senior editor at Rowman & Littlefield. “This is a story of pain and heartache, redemption and hope, and a heartfelt immersion in nature.”
overlooking the road
Publishers agree, even though there are so many empty options. There is more to be said about non-religious but spiritual experiences and their spirit. The book also helps readers, especially young people, analyze their spiritual selves, as cultural, social, psychological, and ideological factors continue to influence an individual’s interest in religion. Masu.
“We know it’s possible to connect with something ‘bigger than ourselves’ outside of the religious framework. And Gen Z and Millennials have never thought otherwise. ” said Mr Green of Llewellyn. “We expect these trends to continue and grow in the coming year as people seek empowerment, control over their lives, greater connection and healing.”
HarperOne’s Alpert agrees, saying, “We believe that people who prefer to reject traditional labels have always been part of our diverse spiritual ecosystem.”
A version of this article was published in the April 8, 2024 issue. Publishers Weekly Under the heading: a spiritual book for all “nothing” people
