Call for Paper

Editors:

Dr. Stefano Sbalchiero

Prof. Dr. Giuseppe Giordan

This Special Issue, titled “Engaged Spiritualities: Theories, Practices, and Future Directions”, aims to delve into the concept of engaged spiritualities (Stanczak, 2006), analyzing it from both theoretical and practical perspectives as well as through its contemporary manifestations. It seeks to foster an interdisciplinary dialogue, encouraging critical and innovative reflections on the influence of spiritualities across various domains of human life, including religious, philosophical, ethical, political, and scientific spheres.

We are seeking articles that address the following themes:

• Theoretical Approaches: How are engaged spiritualities conceptualized (Giordan, 2007; Heelas & Woodhead, 2005) across different fields of study, such as theology, philosophy, social sciences, natural sciences, and religious studies? What emerging theories help explain the role of engaged spiritualities in a rapidly changing world?
• Interdisciplinary Perspectives: What are the connections between spiritualities and fields such as sociology, psychology, history, and anthropology, as well as areas like social justice, human rights, environmental sustainability, and ethics? What are the implications of engaged spiritualities for the sciences, particularly in terms of ethical reflection on technological and scientific progress?
• Practices: What are concrete examples of engaged spiritualities in today’s world? How can these practices contribute to social, political, and cultural change? What initiatives, projects, or movements embody spiritualities that actively engage with global challenges?
• Spiritual Yearning: In what ways are deep human needs for meaning and transcendence influenced by scientific and technological discoveries, and how do science and technology address this tension? Conversely, how does spiritual yearning shape scientific inquiry, and how might scientific progress further influence or deepen spiritual seeking?
• Future Directions: What are the challenges and opportunities for engaged spiritualities in the face of global crises (environmental, health-related, economic, etc.)? How can different spheres—religious, political, and scientific—contribute to shaping new forms of spiritualities to address these pressing issues?

This Special Issue aims to explore engaged spiritualities as a complex and multifaceted phenomenon that intersects and influences various areas of human life. Engaged spiritualities include individuals from all major faith traditions, as well as those who identify as “spiritual but not religious” (Ammerman, 2013) and “nones” (Cragun & McCaffree, 2021). Through theoretical, practical, and empirical contributions, we seek to provide a deeper understanding of the spiritual dynamics shaping the contemporary world, while outlining potential future pathways for dialogue between spiritualities, science, and social activism.

We request that, prior to submitting a manuscript, interested authors submit a proposed title and an abstract of 200-300 words summarizing their intended contribution. Abstracts will be reviewed by the Guest Editors to ensure proper fitting within the scope of this Special Issue. Please send the manuscript to the Guest Editors or the Assistant Editor Sandee Pan (sandee.pan@mdpi.com) of Religions. Full manuscripts will undergo a double-blind peer review.

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