The Expanding Category of Religion and Spirituality : A Transdisciplinary Perspective on the Confluence of Science, Religion, and the Theology of the "Nones"

Abstract

Notions of religion and spirituality are shifting in the ever-expanding secular, pluralistic, and global world. Some worldviews fail to conform to familiar definitions of religion and are therefore excluded from the category altogether. When asked for religious identification, many declare atheist, agnostic, or “none” even though this fails to capture their often unique or complex belief systems. Currently, rapid and unprecedented advances in science and technology, along with increased focus on inter-, multi-, and transdisciplinary methodologies, are translating into innovative philosophical and metaphysical systems that challenge the definition of what we call religion. Among these scientific and spiritual innovators, scientific progress and spiritual growth are one and the same. How are these emerging spiritualities similar to or different from traditional theologies? What are the connections being made between religious and scientific belief? How do these new systems of belief constitute new religions or spiritualities? This paper explores cutting edge research at the confluence of science, religion, and spirituality through the methodological lens of Transdisciplinarity. The goal is to nuance dominant perceptions and definitions of science, religion, and spirituality, reveal the fragility and vulnerability of these categories, and recognize the theology of the “nones.”

Presenters

Therasa Topete
Student, PhD, Claremont Graduate University, California, United States

Details

Presentation Type

Paper Presentation in a Themed Session

Theme

Religious Foundations

KEYWORDS

Religious Studies, Philosophy of Religion, Science and Religion, Transdisciplinarity