The Re-Enchantment of the West, Vol 2: Alternative Spiritualities, Sacralization, Popular Culture and Occulture

Description

The Re-Enchantment of the West challenges those theories that predict widespread secularization beyond traditional institutional religiosity. Spiritualities are emerging that are not only quite different from the those forms of religion that are in decline, but are often defined over against them and articulated and passed on in ways quite different from those of traditional religion. In particular, it is argued that such contemporary Western spirituality is fed by a constantly replenished reservoir of ideas, practices, and methodologies, which is here termed 'occulture'. Moreover, such occultural ideas both feed into and are resourced by popular culture. Indeed, popular occulture is a key feature of the re-enchantment of the West. Demonstrating the significance and ubiquity of these ideas, this book examines, for example, healthcare and nursing, contemporary environmentalism, psychedelia and drug use, the Internet and cyberspirituality, belief in UFOs and extraterrestrial life, demonology and the contemporary fascination with the figure of Satan, the heavy metal subculture, popular apocalypticism, and millennial violence.

Christopher Partridge, Professor of Religious Studies, Department of Politics, Philosophy and Religion, Lancaster University, UK.

"Not having read the first of these two volumes, I had some doubt about whether I could enjoy volume 2 of The Re-Enchantment of the West. To my pleasant surprise I found that it was not only easy, but that Partridge has crafted his narrative and citations to welcome the just-now-joining without overburdening the already-familiar... Re-Enchantment has broad appeal: academic researchers will value Partidge's extensive endnotes and citations, while lay readers can enjoy an intelligently-guided tour of north Atlantic society's spiritual and religious landscape." -J. Matthew Smith, Anglican Theological Review -- J. Matthew Smith 'Combining original case studies with insightful analysis, Partridge offers a fascinating interpretation of the changing religious landscape of the West. Well-argued and beautifully written, The Re-Enchantment of the West is a major contribution to debates about the nature of contemporary religion and spirituality.' -- Gordon Lynch, Department of Theology of Religion, University of Birmingham * Blurb from reviewer * 'A state of the art volume, which confirms Chris Partridge's stature as a leading researcher of the "new" spiritual consciousness.' Professor Paul Heelas, Department of Religious Studies, Lancaster University * Blurb from reviewer * 'Chris Partridge argues that Western Society is permeated by a broad "occulture" by which he means a reservoir of ideas, beliefs, theories and practices to which new religions, unorthodox spiritualities, film and popular music all draw attention. This re-enchantment of the West should not be seen as a superficial secondary development in the shadow of Christianity. In many ways it is a religious phenomenom in its own right. Partridge's arguments in this regard are well put and I warmly welcome this timely book.' Mikhael Rothstein, University of Copenhagen, Denmark * Blurb from reviewer * 'In this lively and rigorous study, Chris Partridge refutes the accepted argument that religion is in decline in Western societies, and demonstrates that alternative spiritualities are flourishing today. In my view, this is a monumental work, and it should become a classic.' Daniel Wojcik, University of Oregon. (agreed that we can re-use this) * Blurb from reviewer * 'Partridge powerfully demonstrates the dimensions of re-enchantment and points to the vital role played by religiosity today. This is among the most important books exploring the nature of contemporary life and makes an invaluable and unrivalled contribution to the study of contemporary culture.' Graham Harvey, The Open University. * Blurb from reviewer * "this is a really excellent book"- 2006 -- John Wallis. Liverpool Hope University * Theological Book Review *