Skeptical/Doubtful/Non-Belief
A "skeptical/doubtful/non-belief" relationship with God is marked by uncertainty, disbelief, or disconnection from the idea of a personal or active divine presence. People in this category often describe themselves as agnostic, atheist, or simply unsure, expressing skepticism about God’s existence or relevance to their lives.
For some, questioning or rejecting belief in God is a natural part of their journey, often stemming from a critical examination of religious teachings, personal experiences, or broader existential questions. While they may remain engaged in cultural or communal aspects of their faith, they do not feel a personal relationship with God or believe that God plays a role in their daily lives.
Unlike a "distant/abstract" relationship, where God is still acknowledged - though perhaps as an abstract or impersonal force - a "skeptical/doubtful/non-belief" relationship often rejects the relevance of God altogether, viewing the divine as unnecessary or even irrelevant to their sense of self and the world.
Below are some responses that fell into the "ritualistic" category alone.
"Cynical, skeptical, distrusting"
"I don’t believe in a heavenly, all-knowing higher power, but am supportive of people who do believe in that. At the end of the day, I think whatever supports us to navigate an often broken world, while showing compassion to our fellow people, is most important. Therefore, if believing in “God”, whether in a monotheistic way, polytheistic way, or more a more abstract spirituality , is what is someone’s support, I’m all for it."
"I wish I had a relationship with God. I do not feel comfortable, care, or the support of a higher power."
"I don't really think God exists (I could be wrong, but I don't believe that's relevant to my life)"
"In Hebrew school I was taught the stories of the Torah and that god did all of these things and then when I began to question the reality of god I thought that it made me a bad Jew. As a teenager, I was able to accept both my Judaism and my lack of faith in god and feel that I am in a very comfortable place being a somewhat observant Jew who does not believe in god."
"On hiatus at the moment. The pandemic years sort of blew up my religious life and I find it hard to access the thankful awe inspired part of my soul these days."
"Simple, I don’t believe in god therefore have no relationship with 'god'"
"On perpetual pause."
"I don't think humans can have a relationship with God"
Skeptical/Doubtful/Non-Belief and...
Below are responses that were categorized as "skeptical/doubtful/non-belief" and a second category.
Complex/Ambiguous
"It's hard to describe it, since I don't believe in God currently. When I was younger however, I did believe more in God, and would describe that relationship as one where I would consistently feel motivated to do the right thing and find meaningful prayer almost based on the presence of God. I still feel that motivation today, it's just a bit less pronounced."
Cultural/Communal/Historical
"I think that God is a guess. I go to shul regularly. I think that religion is a forum on values and a place for caring human connection. I have met people with "spiritual" experiences; but, I generally don't argue with them at shul."
Distant/Abstract
I’m not driven by said connection, but choose to live my life with integrity and morality despite that. I don’t need to believe in a higher power for that to be integral to my being"
Emotional/Experiential
“I’d call myself agnostic, but there are moments that feel bigger than me.”
Evolving
"I don't have one because I do not think that god is real. I have an evolving relationship with judaism and with mitzvot."
Philosophical
"Belief in god seems besides the point."
Relational/Personal
“I talk to God sometimes, even though I’m not convinced anyone’s there.”
Ritualistic
"Most present when davening. Reiterating what is most important. Plenty of doubt."
Theodicy/Trauma
"I don’t know if a God exists but if it does then God owes a lot of people an explanation."
If you feel like you have a skeptical/doubtful/non-belief relationship with God, give yourself permission to explore spiritual language or practice without demanding belief. Engage with poetry, philosophy, or community conversation and see whether meaning emerges without forcing conviction. Lowering the pressure to “decide” about God can create space for curiosity, allowing exploration without compromising intellectual honesty.