Spiritual, but not Religious

Understanding Unchurched America

Nonfiction, Religion & Spirituality, Reference, Psychology of Religion, Bible & Bible Studies, New Age
Cover of the book Spiritual, but not Religious by Robert C. Fuller, Oxford University Press
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Robert C. Fuller ISBN: 9780199839582
Publisher: Oxford University Press Publication: December 20, 2001
Imprint: Oxford University Press Language: English
Author: Robert C. Fuller
ISBN: 9780199839582
Publisher: Oxford University Press
Publication: December 20, 2001
Imprint: Oxford University Press
Language: English

Nearly 40% of all Americans have no connection with organized religion. Yet many of these people, even though they might never step inside a house of worship, live profoundly spiritual lives. But what is the nature and value of unchurched spirituality in America? Is it a recent phenomenon, a New Age fad that will soon fade, or a long-standing and essential aspect of the American experience? In Spiritual But Not Religious, Robert Fuller offers fascinating answers to these questions. He shows that alternative spiritual practices have a long and rich history in America, dating back to the colonial period, when church membership rarely exceeded 17% and interest in astrology, numerology, magic, and witchcraft ran high. Fuller traces such unchurched traditions into the mid-nineteenth century, when Americans responded enthusiastically to new philosophies such as Swedenborgianism, Transcendentalism, and mesmerism, right up to the current interest in meditation, channeling, divination, and a host of other unconventional spiritual practices. Throughout, Fuller argues that far from the flighty and narcissistic dilettantes they are often made out to be, unchurched spiritual seekers embrace a mature and dynamic set of basic beliefs. They focus on inner sources of spirituality and on this world rather than the afterlife; they believe in the accessibility of God and in the mind's untapped powers; they see a fundamental unity between science and religion and an equality between genders and races; and they are more willing to test their beliefs and change them when they prove untenable. Timely, sweeping in its scope, and informed by a clear historical understanding, Spiritual But Not Religious offers fresh perspective on the growing numbers of Americans who find their spirituality outside the church.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

Nearly 40% of all Americans have no connection with organized religion. Yet many of these people, even though they might never step inside a house of worship, live profoundly spiritual lives. But what is the nature and value of unchurched spirituality in America? Is it a recent phenomenon, a New Age fad that will soon fade, or a long-standing and essential aspect of the American experience? In Spiritual But Not Religious, Robert Fuller offers fascinating answers to these questions. He shows that alternative spiritual practices have a long and rich history in America, dating back to the colonial period, when church membership rarely exceeded 17% and interest in astrology, numerology, magic, and witchcraft ran high. Fuller traces such unchurched traditions into the mid-nineteenth century, when Americans responded enthusiastically to new philosophies such as Swedenborgianism, Transcendentalism, and mesmerism, right up to the current interest in meditation, channeling, divination, and a host of other unconventional spiritual practices. Throughout, Fuller argues that far from the flighty and narcissistic dilettantes they are often made out to be, unchurched spiritual seekers embrace a mature and dynamic set of basic beliefs. They focus on inner sources of spirituality and on this world rather than the afterlife; they believe in the accessibility of God and in the mind's untapped powers; they see a fundamental unity between science and religion and an equality between genders and races; and they are more willing to test their beliefs and change them when they prove untenable. Timely, sweeping in its scope, and informed by a clear historical understanding, Spiritual But Not Religious offers fresh perspective on the growing numbers of Americans who find their spirituality outside the church.

More books from Oxford University Press

Cover of the book Schooling Diaspora by Robert C. Fuller
Cover of the book Parenting From Afar and the Reconfiguration of Family Across Distance by Robert C. Fuller
Cover of the book Physical Aspects of Care by Robert C. Fuller
Cover of the book Movement Disorders by Robert C. Fuller
Cover of the book The Face of Britain by Robert C. Fuller
Cover of the book Hoofprint of the Ox by Robert C. Fuller
Cover of the book The Oxford Handbook of Behavioral Economics and the Law by Robert C. Fuller
Cover of the book Handbook of Behavioral Interventions in Schools by Robert C. Fuller
Cover of the book The New Power Politics by Robert C. Fuller
Cover of the book The Wrong Hands by Robert C. Fuller
Cover of the book The Girl with Red Hair Starter Level Oxford Bookworms Library by Robert C. Fuller
Cover of the book Baseball by Robert C. Fuller
Cover of the book The Third Revolution by Robert C. Fuller
Cover of the book Genomics and Personalized Medicine by Robert C. Fuller
Cover of the book The Oxford Handbook of Personnel Assessment and Selection by Robert C. Fuller
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy