The Spiritual Revolution Av Paul (University Of Lancaster) Heelas, Linda Mbe (Lancaster University) Woodhead

Are new forms of spirituality overtaking traditional forms of religion? This volume provides a theoretical perspective which explains both secularization and sacralization and 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.