"Scholars and public figures alike have noted that, while the West seems to be in the throes of secularization, other puzzling developments have simultaneously taken place. Foremost among these is the recent turn toward spirituality. What does it mean tobe "spiritual but not religious"? And more important, what does it mean for liberal democracies that this phenomenon has become increasingly prevalent since the 1960s? The conventional answer, espoused by most sociologists of religion, is that "spirituality" is a basically meaningless term that lacks cultural coherence or institutional support and thus holds little public significance; previous work has for the most part examined its effects on individuals or at best on the declining affiliation with religious denominations. This authoritative volume, grounded in a novel theoretical approach, radically challenges these views, demonstrating that the spiritual turn has also had a profound influence on the public sphere in a number of areas. Comprising original chapters from the leading sociologists of spirituality in North America and Western Europe including Candy Gunther Brown (Indiana), Jaime Kucinskas (Hamilton), Colin Campbell (York), and Linda Woodhead (UCL), the book makes a convincing case that Western spirituality not only signals a distinct new religious tradition but also has been increasingly institutionalized-in spheres and sites as diverse as medicine, the workplace, Silicon Valley, and political activism on both left and right. Thus, contrary to popular opinion, far from being publicly insignificant, spirituality resides at the center of Western social and political life in the twenty-first century"--
The Shape of Spirituality brings together leading sociologists to challenge common notions that spirituality is individualistic, privatized, and apoliticaland to make the definitive case for its social and political significance.
Around 20 percent of Americans fall into the category of spiritual but not religious. Yoga has become a ubiquitous pastime for middle-class Westerners. Mindfulness is increasingly incorporated into school curricula, sports programs, and even corporate culture. Hollywood icons and Silicon Valley trendsetters tout the benefits of a spiritual life. These developments reflect a widespread turn away from religion toward spirituality. Yet the nature of this spiritual turn is still poorly understood, and its consequences sorely underappreciated.
The Shape of Spirituality brings together leading sociologists to challenge common notions that spirituality is individualistic, privatized, and apoliticaland to make the definitive case for its social and political significance. Contributors examine the sweeping influence of spirituality on a variety of realms, including health care and therapeutic practice, popular culture, civic engagement, public protest, conspiracy culture, and progressive politics. Leveraging cutting-edge quantitative and qualitative data, this authoritative book makes clear that, far from being marginal and inconsequential, spirituality holds profound public importance today.
