The concept of "resacralization"1 is an intriguing and multifaceted topic that offers rich material for consideration. To develop a comprehensive discussion, let's explore several key aspects: the definition of resacralization, its historical context, examples in modern society, and its implications for contemporary culture and spirituality.
Historical Context
The secularization thesis, predominant in the Western world, argues that as societies modernize, the influence of religion diminishes. This perspective gained traction with the rise of scientific rationalism and technological advancement, which seemed to erode the stronghold of religious institutions and beliefs.
Unlike the West, many Eastern societies have maintained a more integrated approach to the sacred and secular. In these cultures, spiritual practices often permeate everyday life, blurring the lines between the divine and the mundane. Resacralization emerges as a response to the void left by secularization. It reflects a yearning for deeper meaning and connection, challenging the narrative that modern life must be devoid of sacredness.
Examples of Resacralization in Modern Society
Around the globe, we witness a resurgence of traditional religious practices. This revival often involves rejuvenating ancient rituals and infusing them with contemporary relevance. The rise of new spiritual movements is another facet of resacralization. These movements, eclectic in nature, often combine elements of traditional religions with modern philosophies and practices.
An intriguing aspect of resacralization is its expression through art and culture. Music festivals, for instance, have begun to incorporate rituals and symbols that imbue the events with a quasi-spiritual atmosphere.
The process of re-infusing secular aspects of contemporary life with sacred or spiritual significance manifests in diverse ways across various cultures and contexts. Here are additional examples:
1. Environmentalism as Sacred: The growing reverence for nature and the environment can be seen as a form of sacralization. Movements like deep ecology and eco-spirituality treat the Earth and its ecosystems with a kind of sacred respect, akin to religious reverence.
2. Technology and the Sacred: In some circles, technology is almost venerated. This can be seen in the way certain tech innovators or companies are idolized, and in the belief that technology can lead to a kind of transcendence or significant evolution of the human condition.
3. Sacralization of Health and Body: Practices like yoga and mindfulness, which have roots in religious traditions, have become sacralized in the secular domain. The pursuit of wellness and physical fitness often carries a quasi-spiritual connotation, where the body and health are treated as sacred.
4. Art and Music as Sacred Experiences: As discussed, contemporary art and music festivals often create environments that are not just about entertainment but are treated as spiritual or transcendent experiences. This includes installations, performances, and gatherings that encourage spiritual or introspective experiences.
5. Sacred Spaces in Urban Environments: The creation of urban sanctuaries, gardens, and reflective spaces amid bustling cities represents a form of sacralization. These spaces provide a sacred pause from the secular hustle of city life.
6. Food and Culinary Practices: The emphasis on organic, non-GMO, and sustainably sourced food can be seen as a sacralization of eating. This approach treats food not just as sustenance but as something sacred, with a focus on purity, ethics, and connection to the earth.
7. Commemorative Practices: The way certain historical events or figures are commemorated can also be a form of sacralization. This might include solemn national holidays, memorials, or rituals that take on a sacred quality in honoring the past.
These examples show how various aspects of modern life are being re-enveloped with a sense of the sacred, indicating a complex interplay between secular and spiritual dimensions in contemporary societies.
Societal Implications
Resacralization plays a significant role in fostering cultural diversity. It encourages the blending of different spiritual traditions, promoting a more inclusive understanding of the sacred.
On a personal level, resacralization offers individuals a sense of connection and purpose. At the community level, it can lead to the formation of new social bonds and support networks based on shared spiritual or religious practices.
"The meeting of two personalities is like the contact of two chemical substances: if there is any reaction, both are transformed." -Carl Jung
This quote from the Swiss psychiatrist resonates with the idea of resacralization. It suggests that when the sacred and secular meet, much like two distinct personalities, they both undergo transformation, leading to a renewed understanding of both realms.
Resacralization represents a complex and multi-faceted trend in contemporary society. It challenges the secularization narrative, suggesting that the sacred continues to hold relevance and appeal. A personal reflection on resacralization reveals its potential to enrich lives, offering pathways to deeper meaning and connection in an increasingly complex world.
Ways to Engage
Engaging in practices that introduce the sacred into secular life doesn't necessarily require religious beliefs. Here are some ways someone who is not religious can explore this integration:
Mindfulness and Meditation: These practices, rooted in ancient traditions but widely secularized, offer a way to connect with the present moment and foster a sense of inner peace and awareness.
Undeveloped Spaces Connection: Spending time on a naked Earth (human structures and systems) can be a deeply spiritual experience. Activities like hiking, gardening, or simply sitting in a natural setting can evoke a sense of wonder and connection to something larger than oneself.
Art and Creativity: Engaging in artistic activities like painting, writing, or playing music can be a form of spiritual expression, allowing one to explore deeper aspects of the human experience. A big part of my blog is more about my artistic expression than it is a publication mechanism. The process of putting these thoughts together and then developing a pattern of words to most interestingly express them causes me to engage an aspect of my language generation model that quite literally sends waves of sensation throughout my system for hours afterward.
Volunteering and Altruism: Helping others and contributing to the community can provide a sense of purpose and connection, often considered sacred qualities.
Yoga and Physical Wellness: Practices like yoga, tai chi, or other forms of physical exercise can be more than just physical activities; they can be pathways to balancing the mind, body, and spirit.
Learning and Curiosity: Pursuing knowledge about the world, science, history, or any field of interest can be a spiritual quest for understanding and wisdom.
Music and Dance: Listening to or creating music, and engaging in dance, can be powerful ways to experience transcendence and emotional release.
Each of these practices offers a way to engage with the sacred through secular means, allowing for a personal and unique exploration of spirituality.
What are some other ways YOU have found effective in keeping the sacred alive in the secular?
Despite its positive aspects, resacralization is not without criticism. Some view it as a superficial appropriation of spiritual practices, devoid of authentic understanding or commitment.