RELI 315 - Religion and American Culture

Semester Offered: Fall
1 unit(s)

Advanced study in selected aspects of the history of religions in the United States. May be taken more than once for credit when the content changes.

Topic for 2013/14a: Spiritual Seekers in American History & Culture, 1880 - 2008 This seminar examines the last 120 years of spiritual seeking in America. It looks in particular at the rise of unchurched believers in the U.S., how these believers have relocated “the religious” in different parts of culture, what it means to be “spiritual but not religious” today, and the different ways that Americans borrow from or embrace religions such as Islam, Buddhism and Hinduism. We focus in particular on unexpected places of religious enchantment or “wonder” in our culture, including how science and technology are providing new metaphors for God and spirit. Mr. White.

One 2-hour period.