RELG 340 - Spiritual But Not Religious

Credits: (3)
College Curriculum: COLL 200
Domain (Anchored): ALV
Domain (Reaching Out): CSI

This course examines the historical development of modern-day conceptions of “spirituality” and investigates spirituality’s complex relationships with “religion,” secularism, neoliberalism, and consumerism. In particular, we seek to understand the phenomenon of a rapidly increasing number of Americans who identify as “spiritual, but not religious.” In exploring the rise and meaning of “spirituality,” the class will give special emphasis to the historical influences of consumer capitalism, the liberal political tradition, colonialism, orientalism and, relatedly, the modern reform of Asian religions such as Buddhism and Hinduism. To see the ways in which modern-day “spirituality” is intertwined with secularism, scientism, race, class, neoliberalism, and consumerism, we will examine how “spirituality” is differently constructed and understood by evangelical Christians, atheists/non-believers, and contemporary practitioners of yoga, meditation, mindfulness, transhumanism, indigenous traditions, and nature (eco-) spiritualities.