A New Paradigm of Spirituality and Religion – Contemporary Shamanic Practice in Scotland
by MaryCatherine Burgess (Continuum (now Bloomsbury) Books, 2008)
Weaving theory and practice together, MaryCatherine Burgess explores the historically difficult relationship between religion and spirituality by applying cross-cultural elements of shamanism and Danièle Hervieu-Légerís Model of Religion as a Chain of Memory to her study of contemporary shamanic practice in Scotland.
Within the context of cultural and religious change, she utilises Hervieu-Légerís analytical model to uncover a shamanic worldview that carries in its memory and practice a lineage of spirituality, not belief. This distinction sheds critical light on a new paradigm of spirituality and religion that reflects how many in Western societies currently respond to institutional religion.
“A fascinating reading on the contemporary forms of urban shamanism in Scotland.”
Mihaly Hoppal, President of the International Society for Shamanistic Research (Budapest, Hungary)
‘MaryCatherine Burgess provides the reader with an abundance to ponder in regard to both personal and global transformation. This highly informative and deeply intriguing book offers valuable cross-cultural connections. A New Paradigm of Spirituality and Religion reveals an emerging spiritual consciousness having the power to move us toward kinship with all of life.’
Joyce Rupp, award winning author, spiritual companion, conference speaker, and retreat facilitator
‘MaryCatherine Burgess draws upon a wide range of relevant sources and argues that as a form of spirituality ‘core shamanism’ has an increasingly important role in developing awareness and practices that contribute to a global ‘‘common good’’ in an era of acute crisis, both human and ecological.’
Professor Richard H. Roberts, Lancaster University, UK
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