Faith Isn’t Structured: The Lived Experience of Reflexive Spirituality Among Filipino Catholic Youth

Abstract While the Philippines is known as one of the predominantly Catholic nations in Asia, the country has witnessed the emergence of reflexive spirituality. Within the context of Filipino Catholicism, reflexive spirituality enables individuals to reinterpret their religion for more personal and meaningful engagement. Individual interviews were conducted with 11 Filipino Catholic youth who self-identified as someone who prioritised more personalised and contemporary practices of Catholic worship, revealing themes surrounding their experiences of reflexive spirituality and the perceived advantages and disadvantages of their personal practices. Reflexive spirituality empowered them to uphold beliefs that diverge from traditional Catholic teachings, advocating for a more humanistic approach to Catholicism characterised by a personal relationship with God and compassion towards others. Implications highlight the importance of the Catholic Church’s acceptance of reflexive practices through programs or conversations that recognize individualised expressions of faith.