Abstract
This paper explores the relationship between moral philosopher Mostafa Malekian’s Theory of Rationality and Spirituality (TRS) and both the discourse of new-age spirituality in the West and the spiritual lifestyle of Iranians. After presenting the theoretical frameworks of contemporary (secular) spiritualities and the TRS, the paper evaluates the TRS through four prominent features of contemporary spiritualities: syncretism, tolerance and pluralism, individualism and personal experiences, as well as flourishing and happiness. Additionally, the paper highlights the impact of the TRS on the increasing popularity of secular spirituality among Iranians, particularly educated youth, arguing that the TRS may be considered a significant factor in the acceptance of this new spiritual lifestyle among some Iranians. Utilizing a mixed-method approach, the analysis employs historical interpretative and critical descriptive methodologies. The framework of the ‘Theory of Secularization’ and the ‘Theory of Multiple Modernities’ is used to guide the examination. This study aims to explore secular spirituality, investigate Malekian’s role as a ‘spiritual intellectual,’ and assess his ideas’ impact on shaping a new spiritual lifestyle among Iranian-educated youth. Furthermore, it examines the shifting religiosity of Iranians over the last two decades and the growing popularity of secular and spiritual lifestyles in contemporary Iranian society. The findings contribute to the ongoing discourse on the interplay between traditional religion and modernity, shedding light on the factors influencing the adoption of non-religious spiritual lifestyles within the cultural and socio-political context of Iran.
Details
Presentation Type
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Theme
Religious Community and Socialization
KEYWORDS
MOSTAFA MALEKIAN, RATIONALITY, SECULAR SPIRITUALITY, CONTEMPORARY SPIRITUALITY, POST-REVOLUTIONARY IRAN, SBNR
