Dispirited

A harsh critique of the 'spiritual but not religious' MBS position, arguing that what the author regards as inclusive woolly thinking in this area should be attacked more than traditional Christianity. The author lectures on Buddhist thought and its relationship to Western philosophy. He argues that there are three main shortcomings of being spiritual but not religious: its impact on critical intellectual thinking, on social and political engagement, and on the potential for happiness and fulfilment. He draws on the research of Jeremy Carrette and Richard King (Selling Spirituality) and Paul Heelas and Linda Woodhead (The Spiritual Revolution). He interprets mysticism in an entirely negative light as disconnected with social and spiritual concerns. This is certainly not the case with people like Hildegard and fails to understand the ontological significance of mystical experience, which lies at the basis of all spiritual and religious traditions. There is a corresponding devaluation of holistic science. Many holists are also involved in environmental activism and cannot be characterised as narcissists abdicating personal responsibility, as the author claims. The pursuit of happiness is contrasted with the stark reality of death, but they need not be as mutually exclusive as is presented here. The author concludes that atheists should seek not only freedom from God, but from the 'meaningless plurality of new-age inclusivity.' Although he claims not to be setting up straw men, many readers will acknowledge some elements of his critique while maintaining that his analysis is incomplete and one-sided.