The Spiritual Revolution

Addresses the most pressing question in the study of religion today: are new forms of spirituality overtaking traditional forms of religion? This book provides a theoretical perspective which explains both secularization and sacralization. It offers some predictions about the future of religion and spirituality in the west. Are we living through a ‘spiritual revolution’ in which traditional forms of religion are giving way to new forms of spirituality? Are yoga, reiki and other forms of holistic practice set to become more popular than churchgoing? This book addresses these questions by presenting findings from a major research project designed to chart the state of religion and spirituality today. Though it finds little to support more extreme claims of change, it discovers that spiritualities which engage with the depths of personal experience are faring far better than religions that demand conformity to higher truth. These developments are explained by drawing attention to the significance of a ‘subjective turn’ in the wider culture – whereby conformity to external obligations becomes less important than sensitivity to inner life and wellbeing. Comparing existing evidence from the USA and Europe, with a UK-based study of religion and spirituality, this fascinating book addresses the most pressing question in the study of religion today: are new forms of spirituality overtaking traditional forms of religion? Based on the detailed study of religion and spirituality in Kendal, UK Compares pioneering findings from Kendal with existing evidence from the USA and Europe Provides a theoretical perspective which explains both secularization and sacralization Offers some startling predictions about the future of religion and spirituality in the west Is written in an accessible and lively style, and will appeal to a broad range of readers interested in the future direction of belief in the western world.