Routledge Sociology of Religion for Generations X and Y

Generations X and Y are plugged into the contemporary world of consumption, popular culture, and the internet. These generations treat knowledge and belief as a more flexible concept, often focusing on the practical rather than the theoretical and often drawing on conflicting sources in both popular and cyber culture. Their approach to religious belief and practice requires a new way of studying the sociology of religion. 'Sociology of Religion for Generations X and Y' examines key world religions - Buddhism, Christianity and Islam - as well as newer religious groups, such as Scientology, New Age, Witchcraft and online communities such as Jediism and Matrixism. The book covers a range of key concepts: secularisation and modernisation, re-enchantment, the 'McDonaldisation' of society, and the easternisation of the west. Each chapter opens with a case study from popular culture or the internet which takes the reader to the heart of the topic being discussed. Employing both classical sociological theory and contemporary critical theory, 'Sociology of Religion for Generations X and Y' explains where contemporary religion and spirituality are coming from, where they are now, and where they are going. Review 'Sociology of Religion for Generations X and Y is 50 percent empirical, 50 percent prophetic. It is this quality, perhaps, that makes it 100 percent recommended reading.' --Religion 'Written for, and about, post-1970 generations X and Y, Possamai's very timely work will assist readers to make sense of the various new forms of believing, belonging and behaving pursued by Xers and Yers, many of whom remain unconcerned with transcendence, religious knowledge, or the salvation of the soul.' --Studies in Religion Book Reviews 'Written for, and about, post-1970 generations X and Y, Possamai's very timely work will assist readers to make sense of the various new forms of believing, belonging and behaving pursued by Xers and Yers, many of whom remain unconcerned with transcendence, religious knowledge, or the salvation of the soul.' --Studies in Religion Book Reviews 'Written for, and about, post-1970 generations X and Y, Possamai's very timely work will assist readers to make sense of the various new forms of believing, belonging and behaving pursued by Xers and Yers, many of whom remain unconcerned with transcendence, religious knowledge, or the salvation of the soul.' --Studies in Religion Book Reviews About the Author Adam Possamai is Associate Professor in Sociology at the University of Western Sydney. He is the author of Religion and Popular Culture: A Hyper-Real Testament and In Search of New Age Spiritualities.