Introduction
Understanding Secular spirituality
Secular spirituality is presented in its setting of origin — Multiple households, 20th–21st centuries — without reducing it to a single formula. Its central orientation can be summarized as a search for meaning, depth, awe or compassion without requiring religious affiliation.
Secular spirituality includes schools, lineages, communities or interpretations that may differ. This entry separates historical evidence, insiders’ claims and research findings.
To be retained
Four essential principles
- Central orientation: a search for meaning, depth, awe or compassion without requiring religious affiliation.
- Its documented history is rooted in Multiple households, around 20th–21st centuries.
- Practices notably include Meditation.
- Internal diversity and cultural context should be respected.
Small timeline
A tradition shaped by history
Origins and formation
The documented formation of Secular spirituality is associated with Multiple households, around 20th–21st centuries. The founding figure or attribution used here is: No single founder or a traditional attribution. Early dates remain approximate when sources are late or fragmentary.
Historical developments
Major historical reference points include sécularisation moderne, psychologie and movements contemplatifs du XXe century, and formes contemporaines plurielles. They mark stages of transmission rather than a uniform or complete history.
Ritual life and transmission
Commonly reported forms of practice include Meditation, Contemplation or care of nature, Artistic practice, Service and mutual aid, and Self-examination. Their meaning, frequency and conditions of access vary by community.
Contemporary diversity
Secular spirituality includes schools, lineages, communities or interpretations that may differ. This entry separates historical evidence, insiders’ claims and research findings.
History and development
The documented formation of Secular spirituality is associated with Multiple households, around 20th–21st centuries. The founding figure or attribution used here is: No single founder or a traditional attribution. Early dates remain approximate when sources are late or fragmentary.
Major historical reference points include sécularisation moderne, psychologie and movements contemplatifs du XXe century, and formes contemporaines plurielles. They mark stages of transmission rather than a uniform or complete history.
Worldview, beliefs and practices
Sources and practitioners commonly describe the heart of Secular spirituality as a search for meaning, depth, awe or compassion without requiring religious affiliation. This wording reports a shared orientation without deciding the metaphysical truth of its beliefs.
Commonly reported forms of practice include Meditation, Contemplation or care of nature, Artistic practice, Service and mutual aid, and Self-examination. Their meaning, frequency and conditions of access vary by community.
Texts, symbols and transmission
Major supports for transmission include no shared canon and contemporary historical and scientific research. Commonly associated symbols include horizon, lumière, and nature ; no shared symbol. Their interpretation depends on place, period and lineage.
Historical and scientific perspective
History and the social sciences can describe organization, texts, practices and change. Their role is not to decide the spiritual truth of beliefs.
Cultural cautions
This is a broad category, not one tradition. Each current should be described through its own sources and context.
What research can and cannot say
History and the social sciences can describe organization, texts, practices and change. Their role is not to decide the spiritual truth of beliefs.
References