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The 2025 Harvard Youth Poll shows that the majority of young adults (ages 18-29) describe the U.S. Democracy as either in trouble or as an experiment that has already failed. For college students in particular, developing an authentic identity in a politically polarized environment is like trying to stand on shaky ground. Focusing on spirituality instead of politics is an alternative way for young adults with various religious beliefs to form an identity amidst political anxieties. 

By definition, spirituality is “the quality of being concerned with the human spirit or soul as opposed to material or physical things.” However, in practice, spirituality means different things to different people. For example, I developed my spiritual understanding of what Judaism means to me through Hillel.

Hillel is a nationally recognized secular Jewish organization for college students that fosters a sense of belonging among Jews who are often a minority on campus. While living on a liberal arts campus that I and some of my peers describe as politically divisive, Hillel helps me feel safe, grounded, and most importantly, like I belong.

Spirituality is not just an outlet for Jewish students. Spiritual Muslim, Buddhist, Christian, and atheist students alike are finding belonging by focusing their attention internally, which is eternally rewarding. A multireligious spiritual study concludes: “…as a core construct of identity, spirituality was an essential part of personal growth and integration as well as a foundation for approaching life challenges…”

At Northeastern University, spiritual organizations reported an increase in involvement which often led students, such as Lutheran Episcopal Church attendee Munin Mundt, to a spiritual awakening. Mundt explains, “I felt very comforted and it felt very familiar while also being different in needed ways.”

Julia Shulman

It’s important to note the differences between spiritual and religious. Spiritual college students are not necessarily becoming more religious. Religion is defined as the belief in and worship of a superhuman power(s), especially a God(s). According to the Pew Research Center, in 2023 41% of Americans agreed that they became more spiritual, compared to only 24% of respondents who became more religious.

As religion is becoming increasingly politicized, such as Christianity being affiliated with the Republican Party, some formerly religious individuals are wary of being associated with a political party. In response, while some citizens entirely replace religion with spirituality, most avoid political affiliations by modifying their religious beliefs to become more spiritually oriented.

Spirituality is comforting because it is more individualized than religion, allowing the picking and choosing of beliefs, like a spiritual salad bar. Various religious beliefs can be added, dropped, or refined to better fit individual spiritual practices. This year, at an Office of Religious and Spiritual Life (ORSP) event, I learned how to meditate. Even though this is not a Jewish custom, I found value in meditation, and now incorporate it into my Jewish spiritual practice.

My experience is not isolated. In A National Study of College Students’ Search for Meaning and Purpose, four out of five college first-year students reported “having an interest in spirituality.” The study also revealed that 55% of spiritual individuals are frequently able to find meaning during difficult times and 58% feel at peace and centered, compared to only 11% and 18%, respectively, of lower scorers on spirituality. It is comforting to know that my experience is neither unique nor concerning.

Modern day politics are failing to provide the sense of stabilization and security that young adults need during their pivotal time frame for development and self discovery. Instead, I believe that spirituality can be a needed outlet.

My confidence in my personal identity continues to solidify as I weave spirituality into my religious Jewish practice. As political polarization continues to grow, it is easy, especially for young people, to feel small and powerless. By turning inward and focusing on what I can control, on spirituality, the world looks more manageable – even more welcoming.

I therefore reject feeling flustered by a daunting world that seems impossible to change. Instead, I am among the growing number of college students who find strength, comfort, and control by nurturing spirituality.

Julia Shulman is a sophomore at Connecticut College majoring in government with a minor in Jewish studies.