A recent national survey commissioned by Practical Enlightenment asked 1,000 U.S. adults about their religious habits and spending on the booming spiritual‑wellness market. The results paint a clear picture: more than half of respondents have pulled back from the religion they were raised in, yet the majority are not purchasing the alternative products that dominate headlines.
Leaving organized religion
Overall, 57% of those surveyed said they have either left or significantly reduced participation in the faith of their childhood. Only 30% continue to practice that faith, while a modest 11% say they were never religious to begin with. The largest single group, 24%, reported leaving completely and feeling relieved, whereas 21% still identify with their former religion despite reduced involvement.
Spending on spiritual‑wellness products
When asked about purchases of items such as astrology apps, tarot readings, crystals, sound baths or retreats, a striking 63% said they spent nothing in the past 12 months. Of the minority who did spend, most bought only modest amounts: 14% spent under $50 and 13% spent between $50 and $199. Only 3% reported spending $500 or more, and just 1% reached $1,000.
Where people turn for meaning
The survey asked respondents to rank nine sources for meaning, comfort or inner grounding. The top answer, chosen by 42%, was “time alone in nature,” followed by trusted friends or family (33%). Physical activity (26%), creative expression (22%) and therapy (18%) also ranked highly. Commercial spiritual tools—astrology, tarot, crystals—finished last at just 5%.
When respondents rated trust in various sources of spiritual or moral guidance, friends, family, therapists and scientists all earned high marks (87% and 73% trust respectively). Organized religion, despite its challenges, still garnered 58% trust, outpacing the newer “spiritual teachers and online creators,” which were trusted by only 47% and distrusted by 53%.
Criticism of the wellness industry
Half of the participants (50%) expressed a critical view of the wellness sector. Twenty‑seven percent called it “mostly overpriced self‑improvement presented as spirituality,” and 23% said it often exploits people who feel lonely or anxious. Only 20% believed the industry provides genuine spiritual value and improves lives.
Unmet demand for structure
While 58% think a fulfilling spiritual life is possible without a formal faith community, many still seek structure. Eighteen percent said they know what they believe but lack a framework to live it out, and 19% want a meaningful community that aligns with their values. When asked what they would include in a spiritual practice they design themselves, the top responses were regular time in nature (28%), a real‑world community sharing their values (27%) and honest conversations about death and meaning (24%).
Overall, the data suggest that while a sizable portion of Americans are moving away from organized religion, they are not flocking to the commercial spiritual‑wellness market. Instead, they are looking for free, relationship‑based sources of meaning—family, friends, nature—and for structured, non‑religious platforms that can provide accountability and community.
Original reporting: KTVZ (Central Oregon) — read the source article.
