In "The Beautiful Savage," Philip Pullman explores the idea that the term "spiritual" is often unquestioningly accepted within religious contexts. When people invoke spirituality, they immediately invoke a sense of authority and belonging to established beliefs, which can make discussions about the topic less scrutinized or challenged. This suggests that spiritual language has a powerful influence on how beliefs are perceived and understood within society.

Pullman’s statement highlights a significant aspect of how faith and spirituality are often treated: as sacred and beyond debate. It indicates that once spirituality is mentioned, it creates a shield that protects its significance from inquiry or criticism, reinforcing the connection to religious institutions. This notion raises important questions about the nature of spirituality and its role in shaping individual and collective identities.