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Undercurrents

Rod Dreher: Covid fueled the Christian re-enchantment

Nov 15, 2024
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.
30:45

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • 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.

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