I was sort of born into a Subud cult that has ties to Islam and Indonesia and Middle Eastern spiritualism. My parents were kind of trial-and-error when it came to religion.

Sufjan Stevens’ quote, "I was sort of born into a Subud cult that has ties to Islam and Indonesia and Middle Eastern spiritualism. My parents were kind of trial-and-error when it came to religion," reflects his complex and unconventional upbringing in terms of religion and spirituality. He describes his early exposure to Subud, a spiritual movement founded in Indonesia that blends Islamic principles with elements of Middle Eastern spiritualism, as a kind of cultural experimentation. Stevens’ use of the term "cult" suggests that his family’s involvement in Subud may have been unconventional, and that their spiritual journey was more about exploration and trial-and-error than strict adherence to one belief system.

The phrase "trial-and-error when it came to religion" highlights the sense of experimentation and uncertainty in Stevens’ family’s spiritual practices. Instead of following a rigid, organized path, his parents seemed to be searching for meaning through various religious and spiritual experiences. This openness to exploring different traditions could reflect a more individualistic approach to faith, where the goal is not necessarily to settle on one belief but to understand and experience the diversity of religious perspectives.

By mentioning the ties to Islam and Middle Eastern spiritualism, Stevens acknowledges the eclectic nature of the Subud movement, which blends different cultural and religious traditions. This mix of influences likely had a significant impact on Stevens’ own perspective on faith, identity, and spirituality. Growing up in such an environment may have shaped his approach to art and life, encouraging an open-minded, non-dogmatic outlook, which is reflected in his music’s thematic exploration of spirituality and the human experience.

Ultimately, Stevens’ reflection on his upbringing points to a broader theme of religious exploration and personal growth. His parents' approach to religion as something experimental allowed him to navigate his own spiritual path, while also acknowledging the complexities of identity and belief. This exposure to diverse religious traditions likely contributed to Stevens’ unique artistic perspective and his willingness to engage with themes of faith, doubt, and existential questioning in his work.