The Re-Enchantment of the West: Volume 1 Alternative Spiritualities, Sacralization, Popular Culture and Occulture

Description

'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 should become a classic.' Daniel Wojcik, University of Oregon in Eugene '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, King Alfred's College, Winchester Western society and culture is often described in sociological and theological texts as increasingly secular. This work challenges this thesis and introduces the reader to the principal theories and debates about the state of religion in the West (secularization, sacralization, Easternization, the development of New Religious Movements etc.) In so doing it demonstrates the significance of popular culture in the construction of eclectic alternative spiritual worldviews in the West. One of the principal theses posited in this book is that there is a broad 'occulture' -- a reservoir of ideas, beliefs, theories, and practices from which new religions, alternative spiritualities, and popular culture all drink.

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

'[a] useful contribution...if you want a more in-depth treatment you will find this rewarding, largely free of jargon and containing useful summaries of important debates...a good and well-argued assessment of the contemporary situation...listen to Partridge's largely excellent analysis of culture; there is much here to inform. I, for one, will certainly eagerly await the next volume' -- Steve Hollinghurst * ANVIL * '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. -- Mikhael Rothstein * Blurb from reviewer * 'This is an important book in several respects. One of its particular strengths is its focus on how contemporary media and popular culture have played an important role in the popularization of these alternative spiritualities...Partridge's contribution to this discussion is original and well argued. The book works well as an introduction to sociological debates for students new to this area, but also offers a distinctive, well-argued perspective on these. The book should also attract significant interest amongst those involved in exploring the nature of missiology for Western culture....The book deserves to be a focus for ongoing debate.' Gordon Lynch, Expository Times, 01/10/2006 -- Gordon Lynch * Expository Times * "(this book - reviewed alongside another) offer us fresh and important data and the discussion is informed and sophisticated, without recourse to obfuscating jargon. Unlike many who pontificate on the fate of religion and spirituality, these authors have 'been there' - not just as tourists, but as keenly observant and analytically astute scholars. They know what they are writing about, both intellectually and experientially. It would be a mistake for anyone interested enough in religion to read Theology not to read both these books." -- Eileen Barker, London School of Economics * Theology *