Mapping the Spiritual Landscape of 21st Century Ireland : From Novenas to New Age

At the turn of the 21st century, Ireland experienced unprecedented changes culturally, economically and socially. It was transformed from an impoverished, isolated island to a wealthy international player in the global markets. These changes were reflected in the interface between religion and society, as people began to question the role of the Church in Irish life. While the vast majority of Irish continued to regard themselves as "culturally Catholic", the Church lost much of its societal influence. This book looks at the demise of Catholicism in Ireland and explores the ways in which Irish people have altered their spiritual practices. In particular, it examines the rise in popularity of New Spiritualities and the self-help genre. These expressions of faith provide valuable insights into the nation's changing spiritual landscape. In the light of these insights, this book evaluates the role of the Bible-believing Church in contemporary Ireland.