Many Nonbelievers Around the World Still Hold Spiritual Beliefs

Many Nonbelievers Around the World Still Hold Spiritual Beliefs
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A new study by the Pew Research Center has found that while secularism is on the rise globally, a significant number of people who identify as nonreligious continue to believe in spiritual concepts such as life after death or the existence of a realm beyond the physical world.

More details in the following report:

According to Shia Waves Persian, the survey, conducted among nonreligious adults in 22 countries across Europe, Latin America, Asia, and Africa, revealed that even as religious affiliation declines, spiritual beliefs persist among large segments of this population.

Pew’s findings indicate a notable share of atheists and agnostics still believe in God, an afterlife, or a spiritual dimension, even if they do not identify with any organized religion.

In Latin America — including Brazil, Mexico, Colombia, and Chile — more than half of nonreligious respondents said they believe in life after death or spiritual forces. Similarly, in South Africa, most self-identified atheists reported belief in God.

In contrast, in Europe and Australia, the number of nonreligious individuals expressing belief in God or spirituality was lower, at around 10 to 20 percent.

The study also noted that nonreligious people generally engage less in traditional religious practices — such as prayer, fasting, or lighting candles — though some reported praying privately or taking part in other spiritual activities.

Despite their lack of formal religious affiliation, many of these individuals expressed positive attitudes toward spirituality and moral values.

Pew’s analysis suggests that secularism is most prevalent among younger, male, and more educated populations, who often view religion’s social influence as negative. However, the persistence of spiritual beliefs, particularly in Islamic and Latin American societies, highlights the role of cultural and social traditions in shaping personal faith.

The study concludes that being nonreligious does not necessarily mean a total rejection of spirituality. Many people who identify as nonbelievers continue to embrace moral and spiritual dimensions of life, finding meaning and ethical purpose beyond organized religion.