Since the recent rise in secularism, specifically within the social frameworks of Western culture, religious and spiritual practices have repeatedly been pushed aside and neglected. Although followers’ adherence to religion has seen a significant decline (Altemeyer, 2014), the notions and practices usually attached to religion or spirituality remain relevant in contemporary culture. The relevance of these religious notions and practices are seen explicitly through examining mental health, observing Hollywood media, and analyzing campaigns and decisions of political leaders. These aspects of society, give insight in examining the religious influences on the societal level and subsequently the individual level. Furthermore, this occurrence
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This field uses psychology as a means in order to delve into the wellbeing of individuals, more often than not, using religion and spirituality. Davis (2008), author of an important psychology handbook says that, “Psychology, and in fact all of society, is embracing spirituality, accepting faith as a once-again legitimate source of knowledge” (p. 21). This underlines how new scientific fields have emerged and applied notions of spirituality and religion in their methods of interacting with individuals. People and society as a whole are being challenged by concepts such as an afterlife, a superior deity, the largely debated ‘evolution vs. intelligent creator’ phenomenon, etc. Unlike many countries, Canada does not have an official religion, and rather accepts religious pluralism, the diversity of beliefs. This unanimous acceptance of dogmas has an immense effect on individual spirituality, thereby affecting the communal spirituality. One may assume that religious pluralism would encourage atheism, but on the contrary, this environment results in individuals seeking religion and spirituality. This trend can be seen by considering that three of the top 10 best selling books in Canada in 2013 were on spirituality and religion (“Three of top,” 2013), demonstrating how influential religion or spirituality may be on the individual. Every individual is entitled to practice whichever belief …show more content…
They are nonetheless significant in observing Canadian media and entertainment considering how Canada is a major consumer of the Hollywood industry. These statistics refer to movie releases as they come through theatres; however, it is also important to note that individuals continually watch these films even after their release, implying that these figures may not fully convey the magnitude of their impact on both the societal and personal levels. Author Davis (2008) establishes that, “the media is awash with words such as intuition and faith” (p. 21). Individuals are clearly concerned with these above-mentioned matters and Canadian media is evidently full of them, such as in the film industry. This does not even take in account all the documentaries aired, as well as the Bible-based series that emerged recently. Indeed, it is through this model that one can observe the influence religion or spirituality has on the individual from a societal level, in terms of entertainment or
This field uses psychology as a means in order to delve into the wellbeing of individuals, more often than not, using religion and spirituality. Davis (2008), author of an important psychology handbook says that, “Psychology, and in fact all of society, is embracing spirituality, accepting faith as a once-again legitimate source of knowledge” (p. 21). This underlines how new scientific fields have emerged and applied notions of spirituality and religion in their methods of interacting with individuals. People and society as a whole are being challenged by concepts such as an afterlife, a superior deity, the largely debated ‘evolution vs. intelligent creator’ phenomenon, etc. Unlike many countries, Canada does not have an official religion, and rather accepts religious pluralism, the diversity of beliefs. This unanimous acceptance of dogmas has an immense effect on individual spirituality, thereby affecting the communal spirituality. One may assume that religious pluralism would encourage atheism, but on the contrary, this environment results in individuals seeking religion and spirituality. This trend can be seen by considering that three of the top 10 best selling books in Canada in 2013 were on spirituality and religion (“Three of top,” 2013), demonstrating how influential religion or spirituality may be on the individual. Every individual is entitled to practice whichever belief …show more content…
They are nonetheless significant in observing Canadian media and entertainment considering how Canada is a major consumer of the Hollywood industry. These statistics refer to movie releases as they come through theatres; however, it is also important to note that individuals continually watch these films even after their release, implying that these figures may not fully convey the magnitude of their impact on both the societal and personal levels. Author Davis (2008) establishes that, “the media is awash with words such as intuition and faith” (p. 21). Individuals are clearly concerned with these above-mentioned matters and Canadian media is evidently full of them, such as in the film industry. This does not even take in account all the documentaries aired, as well as the Bible-based series that emerged recently. Indeed, it is through this model that one can observe the influence religion or spirituality has on the individual from a societal level, in terms of entertainment or