Introduction to Spirituality: A Contemporary Guide

Introduction to Spirituality: A Contemporary Guide explores the diverse philosophies and practices that shape modern spiritual life. The textbook provides readers with a detailed look into the ways spirituality is woven into various aspects of life, addressing how individuals and communities interpret and integrate spiritual beliefs and rituals in a contemporary context. The book is organized into three main parts, covering contemporary spiritualities, global religions from India and China, and the Abrahamic traditions. The focus is on major branches of contemporary spirituality, such as creation spiritualities, spirituality and racial justice, feminist and womanist spiritualities, mujerista spiritualities, queer spiritualities, Hindu spirituality, Buddhist spirituality, Taoism, Confucianism, Jewish spirituality, Christian spirituality, and Muslim spirituality. The book begins with our contemporary situation and forms of spirituality most relevant to persons living today in the modern world. The book then turns to the world's religions and their various forms of spirituality. The philosophical vocabulary of the world's religions is emphasized. A valuable resource for grasping the nuances and breadth of spiritual expression in the modern world, Introduction to Spirituality is ideal for courses concerning religious studies, spirituality, anthropology, contemporary social issues, world religions, and interfaith dialogue.