[For the record: this was written in a concussed state of mind--if the reader finds that the writing reflects this head injury, please be forgiving of its errors. If it is better than normal, please occasionally beat me in the head]
Q:
Wade Clark Roof...has called this “seeker” or “quester” religiosity, where individuals see themselves to be on a spiritual journey devoted to creating an ideal “self.” This means that religious consciousness is consistent with the overall nature of contemporary life, which Anthony Giddens has suggested is oriented toward the self and self identity. Religion is thus less about belief (in the sense of adhering to a particular creed) than it is about behavior and how specific behaviors are directed toward acquiring ideas, symbols, and resources which one can craft a consciousness unique to oneself.
C:
Essentially, Hoover uses other sociologists to make and emphasize the claim that religion is no longer a matter of culture or society, necessarily, but is now of an increasingly personal nature, in that its center is around how one relates to religion specifically. This fits well with the very nature of our modern world, which also focuses on the self rather than society as a whole—almost an echo of classical American independence.
However, I must wonder where evangelical and more faith-based churches work into this picture—after all, the “super church,” with its massive services, is undeniably community based. I’m also curious to see how churches/religious groups have changed to fit this emerging individualism.
[An unrelated but brief complaint: it bothers me how most of these writers use “self” as the ultimate goal of religion, when Buddhism—an increasingly practiced but misunderstood religion—clearly urges the follower to work towards no-self. A small issue, I suppose, but if we’re going to use ‘God/Gods,’ etc., I kind of wish Buddhists would get a place of respect as well.]
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