In Defense of Religion: The 2013 H. Paul Douglass Lecture

Abstract

Originally presented as a lecture—with copious illustrations accompanying an abbreviated text—this article argues that the concept of “religion” retains its theoretical value despite claims that religion has been eclipsed by “spirituality.” Presupposing that both religion and spirituality are valuable concepts in themselves, the article begins by reviewing critical literature that examines recent claims on behalf of spirituality and the spiritual. The article then presents case studies based on three recent monographs to illustrate the continued viability of the concept of religion.