The Public Religion Research Institute recently reported that 16 percent of Americans currently say they follow the teachings or practices of more than one religion.
Those who say they follow more than one religion are more likely to be liberal and educated, and less likely to be white evangelical Christians, according to the study, and they come from different religious affiliations. Cohabitation is also a strong factor, with one-third of people who live with a partner claiming to practice more than one religion. According to the study, age was not a factor.
When asked what it means to practice more than one belief system, 34 percent of respondents claimed to meditate weekly and 24 percent said they study other beliefs regularly. Others gave examples of being Catholic and practicing yoga.
What do you think? Is it possible to follow more than one religion at a time?
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“What do you think? Is it possible to follow more than one religion at a time?” I think the answer depends far more on one’s definition of “follow” than one’s definition of “religion.” For many folks “following” a “religion” means picking and choosing bit and pieces of rules, regulations, and traditions that appeal to them and self-styling their own set of ideas, in which case – sure – it would be very possible, I suspect. For others, their belief system is the core of their being and – while grasping a broad and sincere appreciation for other views – they, nevertheless, have their very self-understanding thoroughly shaped by, and woven into, one predominant worldview.