Power of the Sacred: An Alternative to the Narrative of Disenchantment

Disenchantment is a key term in the self-understanding of modernity, but Hans Joas develops a new sociological theory of religion by reconstructing existing theories and proposing an alternative to the narratives of disenchantment and secularization. He argues that religion should be understood based on the human experience of self-transcendence and that the dangers of the misuse of religion in connection with the formation of power should be taken into account.

Format: Hardback
Length: 400 pages
Publication date: 21 April 2021
Publisher: Oxford University Press Inc

Disenchantment is a crucial concept in understanding modernity, but its exact meaning remains a subject of debate. When Max Weber introduced this term, he intended to convey a sense of the loss of enchantment or spiritual belief in the modern world. However, in the present era of knowledge about the history of religion, can the conventional understanding of disenchantment be defended?

In his book "The Power of the Sacred," Hans Joas takes on this challenge by reconstructing existing theories of religion from the eighteenth century to the present. Through a critical analysis of key texts in history, psychology, and sociology of religion, including the works of David Hume, J.G. Herder, Friedrich Schleiermacher, William James, Emile Durkheim, and Ernst Troeltsch, Joas presents a novel sociological theory of religion.

One of the key aspects of Joas's theory is his deconstruction of Weber's ambiguous use of the concept of disenchantment. Weber used the term to describe the process by which traditional religious beliefs and practices were secularized and rationalized in the modern world. However, Joas argues that Weber's interpretation is too simplistic and overlooks the complex dynamics of religion in the modern era.

Joas proposes an alternative to the narratives of disenchantment and secularization that have dominated debates on this topic. He constructs a novel interpretation that takes into account the dynamics of ever-new sacralizations, their normative evaluation in the light of a universalist morality as it first emerged in the Axial Age, and the dangers of the misuse of religion in connection with the formation of power.

Rather than relying solely on human cognition or cultural discourses, Joas's theory is built upon the human experience of self-transcendence. He argues that religion continues to play a significant role in shaping human experiences and values, and that it can be a source of inspiration and meaning in the modern world.

"The Power of the Sacred" challenges both believers and non-believers to rethink the defining characteristics of Western modernity. It encourages us to explore the ways in which religion continues to shape our lives and societies, and to consider the potential benefits and dangers of its misuse. By understanding the power of the sacred, we can better navigate the complexities of the modern world and find ways to create a more harmonious and fulfilling existence.

Weight: 676g
Dimension: 242 x 166 x 38 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780190933272