Newspaper predicts shift to 'spirituality'

Baptist Press

A recent article by The Times in London predicted Christianity will be eclipsed by spirituality in the next 30 years as people grow tired of church and stop going, turning their interests toward yoga and t'ai chi instead.

The Times said more people are describing themselves as "spiritual" and fewer as "religious." They're also turning away from the Christian church with its "rules and 'self-last' philosophy and looking inwards for the meaning of life." The Times reported that twice as many people in London believe in a "spirit force" within than they do an Almighty God without, and two-thirds of 18- to 24-year- olds have more belief in their horoscopes than in the Bible.

A reason for this development could be a "flight from judgment," The Times said, in which people do not want to be made to feel guilty or be told how to live their lives. Another reason is a shift in focus from God to the individual, with one source telling The Times a one-hour service on Sundays is not enough time to address self-esteem issues.