A New Paradigm of Spirituality and Religion: Contemporary Shamanic Practice in Scotland

Description

Weaving theory and practice together, MaryCatherine Burgess explores the historically difficult relationship between religion and spirituality by applying cross-cultural elements of shamanism and Daniele Hervieu-Leger's Model of 'Religion as a Chain of Memory' to her study of contemporary shamanic practice in Scotland. Within the context of cultural and religious change, she utilises Hervieu-Leger's analytical model to uncover a shamanic worldview that carries in its memory and practice a lineage of spirituality, not belief. This distinction sheds critical light on a new paradigm of spirituality and religion that reflects how many in Western societies currently respond to institutional religion.

MaryCatherine Burgess completed her Ph.D. at the University of Edinburgh, where she currently works as the Associate Chaplain. She has extensive training and experience in human relations, change management, shamanic practice, psychodrama and sociometry, retreat facilitation, mental health practice, and Celtic studies.

'In A New Paradigm of Spirituality and Religion MaryCatherine Burgess integrates her closely observed fieldwork on contemporary Scottish shamanic practice into an interpretative framework that draws upon the sociological theories of religion as memoire developed by Maurice Halbwachs and Daniele Hervieu-Leger. Dr Burgess draws upon a wide range of relevant sources and argues that as a form of spirituality 'core shamanism' has an increasingly important role in developing awareness and practices that contribute to a global 'common good' in an era of acute crisis, both human and ecological.' Professor Richard H. Roberts, Lancaster University, UK 'MaryCatherine Burgess provides the reader with an abundance to ponder in regard to both personal and global transformation. This highly informative and deeply intriguing book offers valuable cross-cultural connections. A New Paradigm of Spirituality and Religion reveals an emerging spiritual consciousness having the power to move us toward kinship with all of life.' Joyce Rupp, award winning author, spiritual companion, conference speaker, and retreat facilitator. "A fascinating reading on the contemporary forms of urban shamanism in Scotland." Mihaly Hoppal, president of the International Society for Shamanistic Research (Budapest, Hungary)