In Washington State, which consistently ranks as one of the least religious but most "spiritually active" states, people's beliefs about God often move away from traditional scripture and toward more personal, earth-based, or abstract concepts.
In 2026, the "Spiritual but Not Religious" (SBNR) demographic makes up a significant portion of the population (roughly 33-38% in the Pacific Northwest). Here is how they typically conceptualize "God" or a higher power without a religious framework:
1. "Divine Energy" and Interconnectedness
Many Washingtonians view God not as a personified deity, but as a universal energy or "source."
* The Divine Spark: A common belief is that every living thing—humans, animals, and plants—contains a "divine spark." Instead of looking up to a throne, believers look inward or at the DNA shared between species.
* The Interconnected Web: There is a strong sense that "God" is simply the name for the invisible thread that connects all life. This is often practiced through mindfulness, yoga, or "breathwork" rather than prayer.
2. Nature as the Sacred (Reverential Naturalism)
In the Pacific Northwest, the landscape often serves as the "cathedral."
* Earth-Based Spirituality: Many identify "God" with the power of the natural world—the Cascades, the Puget Sound, or the old-growth forests. This is sometimes called Gaia worship or Nature Religion.
* Animism: A significant number of non-religious people in Washington believe that natural features (like Mount Rainier) possess their own spirit or consciousness. For them, "God" is the collective energy of the ecosystem.
3. Smart Biology and the "Great Mystery"
For those who lean more toward a scientific worldview but still feel there is "something more," God is often reframed as:
* Smart Biology: The belief that evolution and biology have an inherent, non-random "intelligence" driving them toward complexity and resilience.
* The Great Mystery: A comfortable agnosticism where "God" is the placeholder for things science cannot yet explain. Many people in Washington are comfortable with the unknown and don't feel a need to define it with a name or a set of rules.
4. Secular Rituals and "Urban Monasticism"
In cities like Seattle and Bellingham, people are creating non-religious rituals to replace traditional church:
* The "Rule of Life": Some young adults follow a "secular monasticism"—adopting rhythms of fasting, digital detoxing, and community service to find the same sense of peace and transcendence others find in God.
* Community as Higher Power: Influenced by 12-step programs, many believe that "God" is found in the collective power of a supportive group, emphasizing that "we can do together what we cannot do alone."
Comparison of Beliefs in Washington
| Concept | Religious View | Non-Religious/Spiritual View |
|---|---|---|
| Identity of God | Personal, biblical creator | Divine energy, Source, or Nature |
| Where God Lives | In Heaven or specific holy sites | Within all living things and the landscape |
| Communication | Formal prayer and scripture | Meditation, intuition, and nature walks |
| Purpose of Life | To serve and worship | To learn, grow, and protect the Earth |
By Gemini and Ben Ross