Description
Book SynopsisAmerican spirituality - meaning astrology, yoga, and the huge number of other alternative strains of religion pursued by individuals outside of traditional organizations - is usually thought to be a product of the postmodern era. This title reveals that contemporary American spirituality has deep historic roots in the nineteenth century.
Trade Review"Truly distinctive and distinguished. This is a remarkable book simply for recording these fascinating practitioners and helping readers understand their categories of experience in all their complexity. But her work does far more than merely record; it offers a compelling examination of how we may think anew about these categories and the people - metaphysicals and scholars alike - for whom they matter. Hilarious and humane all at once: it's a rare mix, and Bender hits the mark again and again." - R. Marie Griffith, Harvard Divinity School.