Privatization of Religion in Contemporary Times

Just what is Privatization, Kate? pri·va·tize /ˈpraɪvəˌtaɪz/ [prahy-vuh-tahyz] –verb (used with object), -tized, -tiz·ing. 1. to transfer from public or government control or ownership to private enterprise

Meet Shelia

Robert Bellah says… As an example of these widespread phenomena, he described a nurse, Sheila Larson, who “has actually named her religion (she calls it her ‘faith’) after herself.” In her words, “I believe in God. I’m not a religious fanatic. I can’t remember the last time I went to church. My faith has carried me a long way. It’s Sheilaism. Just my own little voice.” She defined “my own Sheilaism” in the following way: “It’s just try to love yourself and be gentle with yourself. You know, I guess, take care of each other. I think He would want us to take care of each other.”

So what’s the Origin of this “Species”?

Robert Wunthrow Says… Now, at the end of the twentieth century, growing numbers of Americans piece together their faith like a patchwork quilt. Spirituality has become a vastly complex quest in which each person seeks in his or her own way.

The Corporeal versus Transcendence

Create at Will

Availability or Bastardization? J. Gordon Melton, executive director of the Institute for the Study of American Religions at the University of California, Santa Barbara [stated that] 40 to 45 new religious groups are emerging a year, compared with just a handful a yeara little over a century ago

So where does that leave established Religion? +

At least I feel Warm!!!... Right?