What’s the main reason why US adults are moving away from organized religion while simultaneously embracing spirituality in recent years?

Yes I identify with a religion (56%) – "It feels like organized religion has become too political -- on both ends of the spectrum. Churches and religious communities are increasingly allying themselves with one political party or another. I think young people are skeptical of that alignment. Our beliefs should inform our voting, but institutions should not be implying that one party or another has the monopoly on morality. Instead they should be encouraging its members to search their own hearts and apply their faith to their choices. With so much nuance in how individuals practice their faiths, surely there should be a greater diversity of political perspectives in our spiritual places of worship than we usually see."

• "To put it simply, they want to decide for themselves when to be "spiritual". When in need or seeking hope or joy they might pray, but they don't want the suffering/constraints of religion to tell them what to do. In other words, they choose to live for themselves but still pray for miracles. The US culture holds individualism very important nowadays, so it's not surprising that religion has become more self-centered/personal, and less about commitment."

"I think the answer lies in the way Christian mainstream denominations, of which I'm a member, have gotten away from the central message about Jesus Christ. In trying so hard to be relevant to today's society, they've lost the unique nature of what being Christian is. The rise in "being spiritual" is indicative of people seeking more purpose and meaning in their lives-- but some of the major denominations are not making it clear of the centrality of Jesus in finding that purpose."

• "America fosters busy schedules which makes it difficult for young people to prioritize going to church over other activities. Being “spiritual” but unaffiliated doesn’t require someone to be present at an organized mass. "

"People are moving to a personal relationship with God, because the "church" is corrupt. Gen Alpha is having a renewed call to Jesus. There is a reformation happening, but not as Pew thinks."

• "I believe: More individuals want more autonomy. Organized religion has discipline, control and rules. I know people who believe in God but don’t believe all that the Bible says or like parts of a certain religion but not all of it so they just do and believe what they want to fit their comfort and desired lifestyle."

No I don't identify with a religion (44%) – "While I am not spiritual myself, I think most who are moving away from organized religion have seen the corruption and destruction it causes, and know that they can maintain their own spiritual connections without the overbearing shadow of monetized and judgmental institutions."

• "I believe many US adults are moving away from organized religion because it feels rigid, divisive, and often more harmful than healing. Traditional structures create hierarchy and an "we're right, you're wrong" mentality, while people increasingly seek direct, personal connections with the divine without intermediaries."

""Leaders" using religion as a way to influence groups of people for votes or to get what they want. Organized religion groups seem to focus on negativity, in my experience. I want to be a better person every day, not tear another person down for their life choices. Spiritually is about accepting yourself and others as they are. Helping to raise people up. Fill the soul, not the pockets."

• "Religion is a very different concept than faith or spirituality. I think more people are realizing the hypocrisy of claiming to follow the teachings of Jesus while hating all the people Jesus told us to love is just causing more division in our communities."