Andrew Root: Secular Mysticism & Identity Politics
Jun 6, 2024
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In a thought-provoking conversation, Andrew Root, a practical theologian and author, explores secular mysticism and identity politics. He dives into the vibrant post-lockdown atmosphere in Paris, reflecting on modern versus traditional beliefs. The dialogue covers the complexities of identity politics, including J.K. Rowling's controversial views. Root emphasizes the transformative nature of personal narratives and the need for nuance in today's discussions. This journey navigates the intersections of spirituality, community, and contemporary social issues.
The podcast highlights the rise of secular mysticisms, as individuals seek spirituality outside traditional religious frameworks in a post-secular age.
It delves into the tensions surrounding identity politics, noting how social recognition battles can inhibit genuine dialogue and transformative conversations about spirituality.
The discussion emphasizes the importance of relational dynamics in spirituality, showcasing how confession, vulnerability, and community foster genuine connections with the divine.
Deep dives
Exploring Secular Mysticism
The podcast discusses the rise of secular mysticisms in contemporary society, particularly within the context of individuals seeking spirituality outside traditional religious frameworks. It highlights how personal transformations and quests for authenticity often emerge in a post-secular age, where people are increasingly aware of their spiritual needs despite questioning organized religion. The conversation emphasizes the significance of memoirs that recount spiritual awakenings and revelatory experiences, which often occur in moments of existential reflection. These narratives reflect a broader cultural phenomenon where individuals articulate meaningful connections to the transcendent, even when they do not subscribe to specific religious doctrines.
The Impact of Identity Politics
The podcast further investigates the tensions surrounding identity politics in the modern world and how they intersect with personal and collective narratives of spirituality. It notes that many people feel compelled to assert their identity in terms of social recognition within various cultural frameworks, leading to conflict and polarization among groups. Furthermore, the speakers indicate that these battles over recognition often inhibit genuine dialogue, as competing identities clash amidst different understandings of self-worth and meaning. The discussion reveals how this phenomenon can limit the potential for transformative conversations about spirituality and faith, particularly in religious contexts.
Anthropology and Secular Age
A significant theme in the podcast is the exploration of anthropology as it relates to contemporary society’s understanding of self and other. The distinction between a 'Rousseauian' view of the self, which emphasizes innate goodness, and an 'Augustinian' perspective, which recognizes brokenness and the need for external salvation, highlights different ways individuals navigate their identities. The conversation emphasizes how this duality shapes responses to the challenges of modernity, impacting how people address their spiritual and communal lives. Ultimately, the speakers argue for the importance of acknowledging the complexities of humanity while fostering connections that encourage collective flourishing.
Relational Dynamics of Spirituality
The podcast emphasizes the importance of relational dynamics in understanding spirituality and the role of confession and vulnerability in personal transformation. Drawing from various illustrations, it stresses that profound encounters with others can lead to transformative spiritual experiences, particularly when individuals share their struggles and seek support. This approach contrasts with the societal tendency to prioritize individualism, revealing how community and mutual understanding can foster genuine connections with the divine. By inviting a sense of humility and openness, these relational dynamics challenge prevailing narratives that often isolate individuals in their spiritual quests.
The Role of Myth in Spiritual Experience
In closing, the discussion reflects on the role of mythology and storytelling in shaping contemporary spirituality, noting how narratives can encapsulate complex ideas about the self and the divine. By examining familiar tales and personal narratives, individuals can engage with their spiritual journeys more fully, allowing for shared experiences that resonate across cultural divides. The podcast underscores the potential for these stories to serve as bridges for dialogue about faith, identity, and communal values, fostering a richer understanding of the diverse expressions of spirituality in a secular age. The conversation ultimately advocates for a recognition of the transformative power embedded within the stories we tell, highlighting their significance for both personal and collective spiritual growth.
Practical Theologian and friend of the pod, Andrew Root, is back on the podcast to discuss the most contentious parts of his newest book Church in an Age of Secular Mysticisms. Our conversation delves deep into some tenuous topics: secular mysticisms, identity politics, spiritual memoirs, the politics of recognition, Rousseau's anthropology, post-COVID parties in Paris, the modern moral order, JK Rowlings, tribal politics, and the intersections of practical theology with contemporary social and cultural philosophy. So, buckle your safety belts because this will be a provocative journey.
Andrew Root is the Carrie Olson Baalson Professor of Youth and Family Ministry at Luther Seminary, USA. He writes and researches in areas of theology, ministry, culture, and younger generations. Some of his most recent books are The Congregation in a Secular Age (Baker, 2021), The End of Youth Ministry? (Baker, 2020), The Pastor in a Secular Age: Ministry to People Who No Longer Need God (Baker, 2019), Faith Formation in a Secular Age (Baker, 2017), and Exploding Stars, Dead Dinosaurs, and Zombies: Youth Ministry in the Age of Science (Fortress Press, 2018). Andy has worked in congregations, parachurch ministries, and social service programs. He lives in St. Paul with his wife Kara, two children, Owen and Maisy, and their dog. When not reading, writing, or teaching, Andy spends far too much time watching TV and movies.
