Spirituality: A Very Short Introduction

Description

Very Short Introductions have proven to be extremely popular with general readers, as well as undergraduates and their lecturers.

It has been suggested that ‘spirituality‘ has become a word that ‘can define an era’. Why? Because paradoxically, alongside a decline in traditional religious affiliations, the growing interest in spirituality and the use of the word in a variety of contexts is a striking aspect of contemporary western cultures. Indeed, spirituality is sometimes contrasted attractively with religion, although this is problematic and implies that religion is essentially dogma, moralism, institutions, buildings, and hierarchies.

With a decline in traditional religious belief, interest in spirituality has grown hugely in Western cultures. The notion of spirituality expresses the fact that many people are driven by goals that concern more than material satisfaction. Philip Sheldrake explores the historical foundations of spirituality and considers how it transforms lives.

Key Features

• Written by one of the most eminent scholars and writers on spirituality
• Looks at the impact of spirituality on religion and philosophy, but also on anthropology and psychology
• Considers the historical foundations of spirituality in the major world religions
• Explores the concept of the spiritual ‘experience’ and considers the impact and transformation it has on society
• Part of the bestselling Very Short Introductions series – over five million copies sold worldwide

The notion of spirituality expresses the fact that many people are driven by goals that concern more than material satisfaction. Broadly, it refers to the deepest values and sense of meaning by which people seek to live. Sometimes these values are conventionally religious. Sometimes they are associated with what is understood as ‘the sacred’ in a broader sense – that is, of ultimate rather than merely instrumental importance. This Very Short Introduction, written by one of the most eminent scholars and writers on spirituality, explores the historical foundations of the thought and considers how it came to have the significance it is developing today.

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Types and traditions
3. Spirituality as experience
4. Spirituality as way of life
5. Spirituality in society
6. Spirituality versus religion?
7. Conclusion 

About the Series

Oxford’s Very Short Introductions series offers concise and original introductions to a wide range of subjects – from Public Health to Buddhist Ethics, Soft Matter to Classics, and Art History to Globalization. Each volume provides an authoritative and engaging assessment of a concept, field, or body of work, drawing out the central ideas, themes, and approaches. Our expert authors combine facts, analysis, new insights, and enthusiasm to make often challenging topics highly readable to develop your core knowledge. With over 700 titles and many more in development, as well as regularly updated new editions, the series is constantly evolving to reflect a contemporary readership. Whatever your area of study, whatever the topic that fascinates you, the series is an indispensable and accessible guide that will enrich your understanding.

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Author Biography

Philip Sheldrake, Senior Research Fellow in the Cambridge Theological Federation, Honorary Professor of the University of Wales, and a regular visiting professor in the United States.

Professor Philip Sheldrake is currently Senior Research Fellow in the Cambridge Theological Federation (Westcott House), Honorary Professor of the University of Wales, and a regular visiting professor in the United States. He is also a member of the Guerrand-Hermès Forum for the Interreligious Study of Spirituality. Philip Sheldrake co-founded and directed (1984-94) the Institute of Spirituality, Heythrop College University of London. He is on the editorial boards of three international academic journals. For the last twenty five years he has been a leading figure in the field of spirituality as an interdisciplinary area of study.