A qualitative study on 'Spiritual omnivorism' as a new form of religiosity

In the context of their relationship with the sacred, spiritual individuals who enable the shaping of a new form of belief integrate practices from various religions and faiths within this personalized belief framework. This belief system, characterized by syncretic and eclectic features, draws from organized and unorganized religions, beliefs, and ancient traditions. Claiming that a part of the truth exists in every religion, belief, and culture, this form of belief reflects the perspective of perennial philosophy while also bearing traces of omnism a belief that, although relatively unknown today, is highly likely to gain wider acceptance in the future. Participants, who do not wish to confine their beliefs within any conceptual framework, refrain from defining themselves with a specific term. Therefore, it has been decided that these individuals, who adopt an omnivorous approach in the spiritual universe deriving nourishment from all religions and beliefs without claiming allegiance to any should be categorized differently. In this context, it has been deemed appropriate to conceptualize the belief system embodied by individuals who adopt an "omnivorous" or "all-inclusive" stance in their practices and approach these practices from a spiritualist perspective as "spiritual omnivorism." The aim of this study is to shed light on the structure of spiritual omnivorism, its approach to religion, the image of God it offers, and how spiritual omnivorous individuals develop their personalities within the framework of this belief system, as well as its impact on their social relationships, within the framework of the participants' views. Adopting a qualitative research method, the study conducted in-depth interviews with a total of nine participants using a semi-structured interview form in İzmir, Muğla, Istanbul, and Ankara cities where spiritual practices and institutions are prevalent. To facilitate understanding of this subject from a socio-religious perspective, a phenomenological design was utilized, and snowball sampling was employed to reach participants. As a result, it has been observed that spiritual omnivorous individuals re-interpret and reshape their lives, social environments, purpose of existence, relationship with the sacred, approach to religions, and image of God within the framework of their beliefs.