Re-Enchantment of the West

As a book about emergent spirituality in the contemporary West, this books focuses on the nature, evolution and significance of new forms of religion and alternative spiritualities. Part One of the book provides the theoretical background and guides the reader through some of the principal debates. After an overview of the secularization thesis, which argues that the West is becoming increasingly disenchanted, the second chapter turns to the sociological analysis of new religions and alternative spiritualities. Particular attention is given to the ideas of the sociologist of religion Ernst Troeltsch, especially his enigmatic analysis of the emergence mystical religion, which presciently provides helpful insights into understanding the contemporary alternative religious milieu. Against sociologists such as Bryan Wilson and Steve Bruce, this and the subsequent chapter argues that, rather than being insignificant, new forms of spirituality are actually proving to be a significant part of Western re-enchantment. Chapter 3 constructs a general theory of the re-enchantment of the West.

'[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'--Sanford Lakoff "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.--Sanford Lakoff, '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--Sanford Lakoff "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."--Sanford Lakoff "Theology "

Christopher Partridge is Professor of Contemporary Religion at University College Chester. His research and writing focuses on Western alternative spiritualities and popular culture.