Spirituality: A Very Short Introduction

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.)

ISBN 10: 0199588759 / ISBN 13: 9780199588756

Published by Oxford University Press, United Kingdom, Oxford, 2012

About this Item

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. 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. ABOUT THE SERIES: The Very Short Introductions series from Oxford University Press contains hundreds of titles in almost every subject area. These pocket-sized books are the perfect way to get ahead in a new subject quickly. Our expert authors combine facts, analysis, perspective, new ideas, and enthusiasm to make interesting and challenging topics highly readable. The book has been read, but is in excellent condition. Pages are intact and not marred by notes or highlighting. The spine remains undamaged.

Seller Inventory # GOR005899762

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Spirituality: A Very Short Introduction
• Publisher: Oxford University Press, United Kingdom, Oxford
• Publication Date: 2012
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0199588759
• ISBN 13: 9780199588756
• Binding: Paperback
• Condition: Very Good
• Weight: 118 grams

About this title

Synopsis

It is a striking aspect of contemporary western culture that, alongside a decline in traditional religious affiliations, there has been a growing interest in spirituality and the use of the word in a variety of contexts. Indeed, spirituality is sometimes contrasted favorably with religion, which many people see (for good or ill) as an off-putting amalgam of dogma, moralism, institutions, buildings, and hierarchies. This Very Short Introduction, written by one of the most eminent scholars and writers on spirituality, explores the historical foundations of spirituality and considers how it came to have the significance it has today. The notion of spirituality, Philip Sheldrake notes, 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. Looking at spirituality in religion, philosophy, anthropology, and psychology, Sheldrake sheds light on the concept of the spiritual "experience" and considers the impact and transformation it can have on individuals and on society.

About the Author

Philip Sheldrake is currently the Joseph Visiting Professor in the Department of Theology at Boston College. Sheldrake co-founded and directed (1984-94) the Institute of Spirituality at Heythrop College, University of London. For the last twenty five years he has been a leading figure in the field of spirituality as an interdisciplinary area of study.