Got spirituality?

Take a look at this recent UCLA study on the interest of college students in spiritual matters (http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/05104/488017.stm). The summary is that eight in 10 students say they attend religious services, believe in God and care about spirituality and more than two-thirds pray.

It is intriguing to read through it and think about how this thirst for spirituality is unfortunately, in my opinion, typically American, meaning individualistic and self-made. Read this excerpt: “Alexander Astin, who headed the survey, said religious affiliation with mainstream religions is declining while spirituality is increasing. The study differentiated spirituality from commitment to a particular religious belief. Spirituality was defined as being involved in a spiritual quest, an ethic of caring, a compassionate self-concept and an ecumenical world view.”

There are a few different thoughts that spring to my mind in response to this.

First, it is wonderful to think of the openness that students have to spiritual things right now. What great opportunities we can have daily for conversations about deep truth and things that matter.

Secondly, I am the sort of person who can actually get excited about caring, compassion, and a broader embracing of the world around us. I think that Jesus was about those things in many ways in His life and ministry.

Thirdly, however, if spirituality is nothing more than a vague search with fringe benefits but no clear aim, then I want more! Honestly, I think everyone wants more than that. We’re all spiritual beings – that’s a given. But our spiritual beings crave connection with the greatest spiritual being – our Creator and Savior in the Triune God.

More than a vague spirituality shared by all humanity (‘gee, I love spirituality just like I love chocolate milk’), we need the vital connection with the living God who leads us into spiritual transformation in Christ.