The Future of Metaphysical Religion in America (Boundaries of Religious Freedom: Regulating Religion in Diverse Societies)

"This collection of essays by leading scholars explores the present, dynamic state of metaphysical religion in America. It includes chapters that: put survey data on this growing group in context; clarify definitional issues in the study of spirituality in general and metaphysical spirituality in particular; and assess the networks, conferences, rituals, festivals, retreat centers and periodicals recently developed by metaphysicals. The contributors discuss characteristic practices of mental healing and meditation, and show the reach of metaphysical ideas into public spaces and popular media cultures. One particular chapter also addresses the growing controversy over the legitimacy of metaphysical individuals and movements that appropriate elements of Native American and Asian religious beliefs and practices to enrich or sustain their own practice. This rich collection appeals to students, researchers, professionals and the layperson interested in knowing more about the history and more importantly the direction that American metaphysical religion is taking"-- Back cover Introduction: The Future of Religion in America 6 Metaphysicals Introduction 9 The Rise of Metaphysical Religion 10 Contents 15 About the Authors 16 Metaphysical Religion and Spirituality: A Measured Approach 17 Spirituality 18 Metaphysical Spirituality Over Time 20 The Mind and its Powers 21 Correspondence Between Mystical and Earthly Worlds 21 Embodied Practices 23 Toward a more Nuanced Understanding 25 On Generalizability 26 A more Technical, Sociological Postscript 27 Final Issues 28 References 29 The Place of Nature in Metaphysical Religion: A Brief History 32 Three Central Themes in Metaphysical Thought 36 Divine Energy 36 Harmonic Healing 41 Evolutionary Holism 43 The Watershed of the 1960s: The New Age and the Ecological Crisis 45 Tensions in Metaphysical Thought 51 From Margins to Mainstream: Metaphysical Religion and American Culture 53 Mind, Body, and Spirit: Metaphysical Healing in America 57 Chiropractic Medicine 58 New Age Energy Healing 61 The Holistic Health Movement 64 MIND’S Hidden Powers: Positive Thinking and Visualization 67 Healing Body, Mind, and Spirit: The Cultural Context 70 References 74 Suggested Readings 75 Architects of the Now, Gatekeepers of the Past: Transformational Festivals and Other Destinations of “Spiritual” Americans 76 Sacred Destinations and Place Myths 80 “Welcome Home”: Constructing Tribal Identities and Sacred Histories 84 Cultural Appropriation and the “Decolonizing Festivals” Movement 94 Going Green and “beyond Green” at Metaphysical Sites 97 Agents of Awakening 99 Spiritualizing the Other: Appropriating and Commodifying Practices in Metaphysical Religion 102 From Exotic Other to Household Name 105 Entrepreneurial Shamans 109 Entrepreneurial Gurus 112 The Politics of Appropriation and Commodification 115 Conclusions 120 Conclusion: The Future of Metaphysical Spirituality 122 Metaphysical Religion: What and where Is it? 122 Turning Science into Spirituality 125 A Metaphysical Future 129