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The Participatory Turn: Redefining the Divine through Spirituality, Mysticism, and Religious Studies

Jerome Blair

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Published in The Participatory Turn: Spirituality Mysticism Religious Studies

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: Exploring the Convergence

In the realm of religious thought, a transformative shift is underway—a shift that is redefining our understanding of the divine and our connection to it. At the heart of this transformation lies the concept of the participatory turn, a movement that emphasizes the active engagement of individuals in spiritual and mystical experiences.

The Participatory Turn: Spirituality, Mysticism, Religious Studies

by Jorge N. Ferrer

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
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Print length	:	398 pages

This article delves into the intricacies of the participatory turn, exploring its historical roots, contemporary manifestations, and profound implications for spirituality, mysticism, and religious studies. Through an interdisciplinary lens, we will uncover the ways in which participation empowers individuals to experience the divine in a tangible and transformative manner.

Historical Roots: Tracing the Evolution

The participatory turn in religious studies can be traced back to the early 20th century, with scholars such as Mircea Eliade and Victor Turner exploring the significance of ritual and performance in spiritual experiences. These pioneers recognized that religious rituals were not mere passive observations but rather active processes that facilitated direct encounters with the sacred.

In recent decades, the participatory turn has gained momentum, with scholars in diverse fields embracing the idea that participation is central to religious experience. From anthropologists studying indigenous spiritual practices to theologians exploring the nature of interreligious dialogue, the participatory turn has become a transformative force in religious thought.

Contemporary Manifestations: Forms of Participation

The participatory turn manifests in a multitude of ways, each offering unique perspectives and transformative experiences.

Rituals and Embodiment

Rituals play a crucial role in the participatory turn, providing a structured context for individuals to engage with the divine. Through physical movements, gestures, and symbolic actions, rituals create an immersive environment that facilitates connection to the sacred. The embodiment of spiritual practices allows participants to experience the divine not only intellectually but also physically and emotionally.

Mystical Experiences

Mystical experiences are characterized by a direct encounter with the divine, often involving altered states of consciousness. The participatory turn emphasizes that mystical experiences are not isolated phenomena but rather can be cultivated through practices such as meditation, contemplation, and spiritual exercises. By actively engaging in these practices, individuals can open themselves to profound encounters with the sacred.

Interreligious Dialogue

The participatory turn has also fostered a growing interest in interreligious dialogue, recognizing that shared experiences and practices can bridge diverse religious traditions. By participating in interfaith gatherings, individuals can deepen their understanding of different perspectives and cultivate a sense of interconnectedness with believers from other faiths.

Transformative Power: Embracing Connection

The participatory turn has far-reaching implications for our connection to the divine and our understanding of the world around us.

Empowerment and Agency

Participation empowers individuals to take an active role in their spiritual journeys. By engaging in rituals, mystical practices, and interreligious dialogue, individuals gain a sense of agency and ownership over their spiritual experiences. This empowerment fosters a deeper connection to the divine and encourages personal growth.

Sacred Space and Time

Participatory experiences often create sacred spaces and times, where the boundaries between the ordinary and the extraordinary blur. Rituals, mystical experiences, and interfaith gatherings can transform everyday spaces into realms of profound connection. These sacred moments foster a sense of awe and wonder, reminding individuals of the interconnectedness of all things.

Interconnectedness and Community

The participatory turn emphasizes the profound interconnectedness of all beings. Shared spiritual experiences foster a sense of community and belonging, bridging cultural and social divides. Rituals, mystical practices, and interreligious dialogue provide opportunities for individuals to come together, celebrate their shared humanity, and work towards a more just and harmonious world.

: A Path to Transformation

The participatory turn is a transformative movement that is redefining our understanding of the divine and our connection to it. By actively engaging in spiritual and mystical experiences, individuals embark on a path of deep connection and personal growth. Participation empowers us to embrace the sacred, cultivate a sense of interconnectedness, and work towards a world where the transformative power of the divine is celebrated and shared.

The Participatory Turn: Spirituality, Mysticism, Religious Studies

by Jorge N. Ferrer

5 out of 5