Contemporary Spiritualities Social and Religious Contexts

Spirituality is most often understood as a religious term remote from the social interactions of everyday life and from political motivations. This volume seeks to show that this is an erroneous view and that, unless we attend to the spiritual as a motivating force in the lives of individuals and communities, we shall misconceive the nature of social change and political complexity and lack awareness of the value of writing and thinking on the subject in relation to contemporary issues. In a world dominated by globalization and late-capitalist free-market economics we face a situation of increasing complexity in human affairs. In this context, diverse notions of the spiritual in relation to culture and identity are critical forces that require careful attention. Contemporary Spiritualities is an innovative study based on research into the significance of influential writers and thinkers and diverse communities. It seeks to map influences on the notion of the spiritual in relation to the cultural and religious plurality of contemporary society. It also promotes the importance of attending to spirituality in both academic and a socio-politcal context. Clive Erricker is Reader in the Study of Religions at University College Chichester. Jane Erricker is Principal Lecturer and Director of Research in the School of Education at King Alfred's College, Winchester.