I translate the story of Scripture for Spiritually Curious people. But who are the Spiritually Curious?
Mark Matlock defines the Spiritually Curious as: "adults who are not part of the Christian church (meaning they are non-Christians or Non-practicing Christians), yet they believe there is a real spiritual dimension and show high levels of curiosity."
Matlock gives 8 characteristics the spiritually curious tend to exhibit:
1. The Spiritually Curious do not have strong opinions about the supernatural but believe it exists.
2. The Spiritually Curious are open to experiences and experiments related to the spiritual.
3. The Spiritually Curious are less inclined to be open to institutional religious experiences.
4. The Spiritually Curious need safety around doubts and questions.
5. They Spiritually Curious want more intensity in their experiences, not less.
6. The Spiritually Curious are less existential and more practical than you might expect.
7. The Spiritually Curious understand Jesus more by how he behaved as a historical or mythological figure than as a means to salvation.
- The Spiritually Curious are likely to DIY (do-it-yourself) their spiritual direction.
Contrast this with Practicing Christians. Practicing Christians tend to be less curious than the general population. They tend to prefer comfort, closure, and clarity. As Matlock points out, these are not bad things. But do you see the mismatch?
I wonder how this mismatch is playing out in the decline of traditional religion and the rise of the nones.
More on that later.
Because he likes us,
Craig