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# spiritual but not religious

phrase (adjective phrase; short: SBNR)

«spiritual but not religious» in the English dictionary: in the primary school — its meanings, how the lessons use it, and examples, each with its tree on Mova.

## In the primary school

Source: Mova's pupils' dictionary. Licence: [Elamur Cosmic License](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/docs/LICENSE/). Reviewed: the dictionary the pupils of Mova's primary school read; its examples quote the lessons and public-domain tales. Ships with Mova.

### Meaning

1. describing someone who believes in something beyond the everyday world, or cares about the inner life, but does not belong to a church or other religion.
2. (euphemism) not religious at all, said gently.

### In the lessons

Used on surveys, dating profiles and in conversation to describe one's beliefs without a label; everyday, all regions.

### Examples

- My aunt says she's spiritual but not religious.
- The survey had a box for "spiritual but not religious".
- He doesn't go to church, but he calls himself spiritual but not religious.
- Many young people describe themselves as spiritual but not religious.
- She meditates and walks in nature; she's spiritual but not religious.
- In RE we discussed what spiritual but not religious means.

### Note

It does not mean against religion. It can be a real belief or a gentle way to avoid saying "not religious". Respect people's beliefs.