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Grounding “religion” and “spirituality”

In: Handbook on Religion and Health

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  • James R. Cochrane

Abstract

Religion and spirituality are tenuous concepts, neither clear nor uncontested even though they are largely treated as if they represent a defined reality. The phenomena associated with both are diverse, culturally loaded, and never free of contradiction. Still, we tend to use them as if we know what they mean. Yet we cannot avoid trying to grasp the human experience they represent. This chapter outlines the reasons for this situation, considers various ways in which researchers and thinkers of one kind or another have tried to grapple with the difficulties and offer solutions, and ultimately concludes that a turn to the capacities we possess as human beings that make it possible for us to experience what we call religion and spirituality in the first place is the only secure ground.

Suggested Citation

  • James R. Cochrane, 2024. "Grounding “religion” and “spirituality”," Chapters, in: James R. Cochrane & Gary R. Gunderson & Teresa Cutts (ed.), Handbook on Religion and Health, chapter 1, pages 16-30, Edward Elgar Publishing.
    • Handle: RePEc:elg:eechap:21310_1
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    File URL: https://www.elgaronline.com/doi/10.4337/9781802207996.00009
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