According to a 1999 USA Today/CNN/Gallup Poll of religious beliefs: "Self-defined spirituality is replacing a church-based faith." I understand those who reject traditional faiths for all kinds of reasons -- their patriarchy, their disregard for the earth, their ignorance of mystery, their claims of inerrancy, etc. Some "New Age" beliefs are attempts to revive lost values in the "old" religions and the beliefs of indigenous peoples.

Todays Workplace Spirituality movement contributes to this phenomenon of eclecticism because it not only emphasizes the common spirituality in all humans (which is good), but often appears to water down all examples of spirituality to the least common denominator (which is not so good).

Faith-free spirituality contains just enough truth to be very tempting. I think of terms I see in motivational articles I receive from people who want to be published on my website:

• Manifest
• Abundance
• Prosperity thinking
• Create your own destiny
• Believe in yourself
• Self-talk
• Befriend the universe

Other well-known sources include The Power of Positive Thinking by Norman Vincent Peale, which teaches:

• How to eliminate that most devastating handicap -- self doubt
  
• How to free yourself from worry, stress and resentment
  
• How to climb above problems to visualize solutions and then attain them
  
• Simple prayerful exercises that you can do every day, throughout the day, to reinforce your new-found habit of happiness

If It's Going to Be, It's Up to Me by Robert H. Schuller presents eight principles of "Possibility Thinking," including tapping into "dynamic divine energy."

All of these phrases represent valid concepts, but taken alone, they are not enough. I look to see what the authors world view is and, if none is explicit, I become suspicious.

Some phrases (such as those made famous by Peale and Schuller) have their solid foundation in Christianity. Some have foundations in other faiths, in psychology, or in some other world view - but at least they have a foundation beyond the individualistic words used in the expressions.

The poll mentioned above goes on to say: "Almost one-third regarded themselves as spiritual but not religious, electing to pick and choose belief systems."

Thats a nice-sounding cafeteria approach but without some kind of world view foundation, it may soon lead to the "junk-food" results!

• Without a consistent, coherent foundation, junk-food spirituality consists of empty platitudes that will fall apart as soon as you experience a major catastrophe in health or personal finance. Positive self-talk and belief in yourself lead to blaming yourself when such catastrophes occur.

• Without a consistent, coherent foundation, junk-food spirituality provides a self-absorption that lacks a basis for ethical behavior. By itself, it leads to "looking out for No. 1."

• Without a consistent, coherent foundation, junk-food spirituality lacks a concern for the common good and fails to provide tools for teamwork or community-building.

• Without a consistent, coherent foundation, junk-food spirituality provides no explanation for, or understanding of, suffering. Thus it lacks a motive for compassion, service, sacrifice - or global peace and economic justice.

The worlds most famous mystics, regardless of their religion, have grown to care deeply about the pain and injustices of peoples throughout the world. They have felt connected to them and to of all creation. Spirituality that does not include this component is indeed junk-food.

Reject the mistakes and excesses of traditional religions if you must. Seek what we may have lost in the Old Religions or in native spiritualities if that is your inclination. But be sure that in developing your personal spirituality you look for a total world view. Get the whole meal and dont settle for junk food that tastes good for the moment but has little lasting value and possible harm.