While people such as Moody and Traykov are open about reaching beyond the mainstream to search for spirituality, Lucas thinks that many more people in conservative areas such as Central Florida are less obvious in their quest. They are more likely to attend alternative workshops, surf the Internet or participate in weekend retreats. Or they may buy books at stores such as the Spiral Circle in Orlando, which specializes in spiritual subjects from various traditions and serves as a clearinghouse for many groups. But some religious leaders say that this spiritual searching may lead people to embrace belief systems that are inconsistent with Judeo-Christian faith. When you accept teachings from another religion that in themselves constitute a denial of Christian belief, then you have gone over the threshold.
Secular critics are also skeptical about designer spirituality.
Faith and belief in ridiculous propositions can coexist with intelligence and education. Some congregations have introduced charismatic forms of worship, stirring music and ecstatic dance, and there is more talk about God, angels and modern miracles in sermons. However, recent studies suggest these changes may cause controversy within the church. The Southern Baptist Convention, which last year reported a drop in membership of 100,000, nonetheless has expelled congregations for introducing charismatic worship. Similarly, a controversy shook the Presbyterian Church, USA, after a conference that included workshops exploring goddess worship.