Shape of Spirituality
The Public Significance of a New Religious Formation

Edited by Dick Houtman,Galen Watts

ISBN13: 9780231216845

Imprint: Columbia University Press

Publisher: Columbia University Press

Format:

Published: 15/10/2024

Availability: Not yet available

Description
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 apolitical—and 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.
  • Spirituality & religious experience
  • Religious groups: social & cultural aspects
  • Professional & Vocational
Height:
Width:
Spine:
Weight:0.00
List Price: £117.00