Abstract
The article investigates discourses of 'spirituality' in the field of Health Studies, among scholarly voices and the voices of the practitioners and patients these studies reflect. It examines current trends in contemporary spirituality as well as links with debates involving science, religion and secularisation. The article argues that, in the public domain, 'spirituality' is beginning to denote a collective practice rather than an individual search for meaning. Furthermore, the article identifies some common understandings of spirituality in the context of Health Studies and health environments, such as it being a tool that can facilitate closeness and emotional exchanges. Finally, it proposes that the success and, as I will show, elevated status of 'mindfulness' in this field points to 'competing spiritualities', despite shared understandings.
Original language | English |
---|---|
Pages (from-to) | 1605-1618 |
Number of pages | 14 |
Journal | Journal of Religion and Health |
Volume | 58 |
Issue number | 5 |
Early online date | 26 Feb 2019 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - Oct 2019 |
Keywords
- Health
- Mindfulness
- Religion
- Science
- Secularisation
- Spirituality
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- General Nursing
- Religious studies