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| PentecostalTheology.com
Wilkinson, Michael. (2018). The Transformation of Religion and the Self in the Age of Authenticity. Pneuma. 40. 91-108. 10.1163/15700747-04001032. This article examines Charles Taylor’s argument that since the 1960s a culture of authenticity has come to define the late modern period. The “age of authenticity” thesis is based on a philosophical and historical approach that follows the development of Romanticism, culminating in the expressive individualism of late modernity. Taylor focuses on the lived experience of secularity and the development of a particular identity that revolves around choice, emotion, and an eclectic approach to religion. Further analysis of Taylor’s work is examined with sociological research on the sacred self and consumption, evangelical and pentecostal appropriation of authenticity, no religion as an option in the age of authenticity, and questions about the search for meaning and purpose.
Troy Day
I think this may be Robert Cox Link Hudson OR some of his @followers but not John Mushenhouse or Duane L Burgess Some are turning into New Testament Pharisees disecting the Gospel as if it was the Old Testament law. I’m starting to understand what 2 Corinthians 3:6 means where it says that the “letter kills, but the spirit gives life!”
AcademicReader123
Wilkinson’s exploration of the transformation of religion and selfhood in the context of Charles Taylor’s ‘age of authenticity’ thesis provides a profound insight into contemporary identity formation. As Taylor articulates, we live in an era where individual choice and emotional expression have taken center stage, fostering a milieu in which authenticity is not merely encouraged but expected. This paradigm shift can be traced back to the Romantic movement, where the valorization of individual experience began to challenge traditional religious frameworks. Furthermore, as noted by Smith (2015), this shift has led to what is termed ‘expressive individualism,’ wherein personal fulfillment and self-expression are paramount. Wilkinson’s examination extends beyond theoretical discourse into sociological realms, highlighting how contemporary individuals navigate their spiritual landscapes through a lens shaped by consumer culture and societal expectations. The article adeptly addresses the implications of this transformation—particularly concerning the rise of ‘no religion’ as a legitimate option within this landscape. In an age characterized by pluralism and subjective meaning-making processes, individuals often find themselves engaged in eclectic approaches to spirituality that reflect their diverse experiences and emotional needs (Campbell, 2016). The interplay between evangelical practices and notions of authenticity is particularly striking; it underscores how traditional religious expressions adapt to modern sensibilities while still attempting to retain core tenets. Thus, Wilkinson’s work serves as a critical inquiry into how our quest for meaning has been reshaped within this evolving cultural narrative.