Rod Dreher: Covid fueled the Christian re-enchantment
Nov 15, 2024
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Rod Dreher, author of "Living in Wonder" and a political and cultural commentator, discusses the transformative impact of COVID-19 on Christian spirituality. He explores the rise of 're-enchantment' in modern Christianity, highlighting a resurgence of supernatural themes and alternative spiritual practices. Dreher delves into the 'Benedict Option' as a strategy for navigating faith in a post-Christian world, emphasizing the importance of grounding beliefs in tradition. He also reflects on how the pandemic has reinvigorated spiritual engagement amidst contemporary societal challenges.
COVID-19 has acted as a catalyst, prompting individuals to seek deeper spiritual connections and explore previously ignored religious traditions.
The emerging trend of re-enchantment highlights a shift among younger generations toward seeking spiritual experiences through unconventional practices rather than traditional Christianity.
Deep dives
Understanding Re-Enchantment
Re-enchantment refers to the process of perceiving spiritual experiences and ultimate meaning in a world dominated by rationalism and technology. The concept highlights how modern society has become increasingly disenchanted, losing touch with the spiritual essence present in everyday life. By re-engaging with spiritual practices and beliefs, individuals can reconnect with deeper layers of existence that are often overlooked in a materialistic culture. This resurgence can be seen through modern interests in phenomena like UFOs, astrology, and generative AI, illustrating a collective yearning for the transcendent.
The New Threats to Christianity
The rise of the occult, rather than atheism, is emerging as a significant challenge to contemporary Christianity, particularly among younger generations. Many millennials and Gen Z individuals are seeking contact with the divine through unconventional means rather than traditional church settings, motivated by a desire for spiritual experiences without moral constraints. This shift is evidenced by increasing interests in rituals, astrology, and psychedelics, drawing people toward experiences that promise connection with the numinous. Notably, a conversation with a young Anglican seminarian highlighted the perception that encounters with the occult are gaining prominence over the skepticism posed by new atheism.
Cultural and Political Implications
COVID-19 has accelerated the cultural movement toward seeking deeper spiritual connections, creating a crisis moment that has led many to explore religious traditions they previously ignored. As societal chaos unfolds, individuals are looking for experiences that provide comfort, meaning, and a sense of community. This trend is reshaping the political landscape as well, urging movements to address not just material needs but also spiritual, familial, and communal well-being. The blending of re-enchantment with political narratives suggests a search for grounding amid uncertainty, indicating that the next political era may prioritize deeper meaning alongside broader societal changes.
Navigating Holy vs. Dark Enchantment
The challenge of discerning between holy enchantment and dark enchantment is crucial for individuals exploring spiritual paths. Holy enchantment is anchored in authoritative Christian traditions, guiding followers toward experiences that align with Christian beliefs and teachings. In contrast, dark enchantment often draws individuals into practices outside of these beliefs, even if those experiences may feel impactful. The discussion underscores the importance of grounding spiritual exploration within a faith framework to avoid potential pitfalls associated with engaging in practices that lack a connection to divine guidance.