List of Plates.
Preface.
Introduction.
1. Distinguishing Religion and Spirituality: Findings from Kendal.
2. Testing the Spiritual Revolution Claim in Kendal.
3. Evidence for a Spiritual Revolution: Britain and USA.
4. Bringing the Sacred to Life: Explaining Secularization and Sacralization.
5. Looking to the Future.
Appendices.
References.
Index.
Paul Heelas is Professor in Religion and Modernity and Linda Woodhead is Senior Lecturer in Christian Studies, both in the Department of Religious Studies at Lancaster University, UK. They have written extensively on religion and spirituality in the modern world.
"This is an important book that should be read by anyone concerned
with the future of religion in this country. I say this for two
reasons: first, because it tells us new things about the nature of
religious activity in Britain; and second, because the authors
offer an interesting interpretation of their data, drawing from
innovative theoretical insights." Church Times
“It is clear that this book, with the distinctions it introduces
and its daring central thesis, is a major contribution to the
current debate. The careful way in which the authors develop their
argument step by step, taking into account possible objections, is
admirable.” Journal of Contemporary Religion
"Is Britain undergoing a seismic cultural shift with New Age forms
of spirituality set to overtake traditional Christian expressions?
That's the fundamental question explored in depth by two leading
researchers into religious life in Britain today. Their landmark
book ... sets out their findings with back-up evidence from studies
worldwide. It raises key issues for all concerned for the future of
Christianity in Britain." The Baptist Times
"Clearly, this book written by leading sociologists of religion, is
a must for anyone interested in sociology, alternative spirituality
and Christian studies, and will be made reference to in many
forthcoming researches. I strongly recommend anyone with an
interest in this field of study to read the book as it highlights
current research findings as well as breaks new ground in sociology
of religion." Australian Religious Studies Review
"This book explores the significance for contemporary religion and
spirituality of the subjective turn in modern culture. To
understand this, we need both careful empirical research and
constant reflection on our categories. Heelas and Woodhead supply
both in generous measure." Charles Taylor, McGill University
"This well-researched and cogently argued study offers a
challenging diagnosis of the spiritual condition of present-day
Britain. It will be hotly debated by sociologists, theologians, and
all those interested in the future of religion and spirituality."
Hugh McLeod, University of Birmingham
"The Spiritual Revolution provides a much-needed survey and
theoretical synthesis of research on religious involvement,
particularly in Great Britain and the United States … The result is
a much more nuanced and productive account of religious change than
the usual secularization versus sacralization approach." Penny
Marler, Samford University
"A book such as this, whose contributors understand the shades of
grey and are able to provide a critique of the religious fanaticism
and extremism (on all sides) that has given the rise to so much of
the controversy surrounding The Passion, should be essential
reading in schools and universities everywhere." Chris Deacy,
University of Kent
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