Contemporary Spiritualities: Enchanted Worlds of Nature, Wellbeing and Mystery in Italy

Contemporary alternative spirituality is not new, but rather reintroduces concepts that recur throughout Western cultural history. It shares many of the same characteristics as Classical, Mediaeval, Renaissance, and Modern spiritualities and is neither entirely new nor alternative to more established religions. The book is divided into two parts: the first sets out the context in which contemporary alternative spirituality has formed, and the second part looks at how these two elements have developed in countries that are historically Catholic. It concludes that spirituality is a way of acting and seeing the world that was built upon complex relations with various contradictory sources of authority.

Format: Hardback
Length: 172 pages
Publication date: 02 November 2020
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Contemporary alternative spirituality, as explored by sociologists, is often perceived as a relatively recent phenomenon originating in the 1960s and 1970s. However, when viewed from a longer-term perspective, this form of religious expression reveals its connection to concepts that have recurred throughout Western cultural history. This book argues that spirituality in the 21st century shares many similarities with Classical, Mediaeval, Renaissance, and Modern spiritualities. It is neither entirely novel nor inherently distinct from more established religions.

The book is structured into two parts. The first part establishes the context in which contemporary alternative spirituality has emerged, tracing its evolution as an academic term and a social phenomenon. The second part delves into how these two elements have developed in historically Catholic countries, specifically focusing on examples in contemporary Italy. The exploration of spiritualities based on the sacralization of nature, those centered around health and well-being, and those intrigued by mystery offers valuable insights. Catholic majority countries, in particular, hold significance as the Catholic Church wields a unique cultural hegemony, allowing for a comparative analysis of alternative spiritual practices. The book concludes that spirituality, when viewed from a longer historical lens, represents a way of acting and perceiving the world that is intricately woven with complex relations involving various contradictory sources of authority, including religion, magic thinking, secularism, rationalism, and various spheres of lay culture.

This groundbreaking perspective on spirituality will undoubtedly captivate scholars engaged in the study of Religious Studies, contemporary spirituality, and the burgeoning phenomenon of the spiritual but. It challenges conventional notions and provides a fresh lens through which to understand the multifaceted nature of religious expression in the modern world.

Weight: 418g
Dimension: 160 x 241 x 18 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367029500