Attaching to God: Neuroscience-informed Spiritual Formation

079: Being the Church in an Age of Secular Mysticisms (Dr. Andrew Root)

Nov 15, 2023

Dr. Andrew Root, a specialist in youth and family ministry and author of over twenty books, discusses the intriguing rise of secular mysticism and its impact on the church. He explores how contemporary spirituality often prioritizes personal transformation over traditional religious frameworks. The conversation highlights the contrasts between secular recovery approaches and community-driven support systems, while also emphasizing the uniqueness of prayer within Christian contexts compared to meditation. Root argues that genuine transformation requires a connection to God.

41:57

Episode guests

Andrew Root

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Episode notes

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Quick takeaways

In a secular age filled with diverse spiritualities, the church must articulate its distinctiveness rooted in divine connection and grace.

The podcast emphasizes the necessity of communal relationships and prayer in achieving genuine transformation, contrasting with self-optimization practices.

Deep dives

Spiritual Mysticism in a Secular Age

In the modern secular landscape, a diverse array of spiritual practices has emerged, emphasizing personal transformation and self-discovery. This phenomenon raises questions about the distinctiveness of Christian spirituality compared to these secular practices. Charles Taylor's concept of a 'buffet' of spiritualities illustrates how individuals gravitate toward various forms without necessarily adhering to traditional religions. The podcast also addresses the paradox of widespread spiritual interest coinciding with a decline in organized religious practices, prompting a deeper exploration of what it means to follow Jesus in such a context.

Intro

2min

Spirituality in a Secular Age

8min

Contrasting Paths to Recovery

22min

Exploring Therapeutic Modalities and the Role of Community in Personal Affirmation

4min

Embracing Confession and Surrender in Spiritual Practices

3min

The Essence of Prayer Amid Rising Secular Spiritualities

3min

When atheists want spirituality, how should the church respond? In a secular age offering a buffet of spiritualities, all focused on the self and personal transformation, how is the Christian view similar or different than these alternative pathways? When everyone is spiritual, but few are religious, what is distinctive about following Jesus? And can I be a mystic without God?

Dr. Andrew Root joins the podcast to talk about the rise in secular mysticism and what it means for the church in the 21st century.

Dr. Root is the Carrie Olson Baalson Professor of Youth and Family Ministry at Luther Seminary. He is the author of more than twenty books. Most recently is his The Church in an Age of Secular Mysticisms: Why Spiritualities without God Fail to Transform Us.

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