Habits of the HeartHabits of the Heart

Individualism and Individualism and Commitment Commitment

in American Lifein American Life

ArgumentArgument

American religion, like American society, is American religion, like American society, is strongly individualisticstrongly individualistic

But, this can be transformed through a But, this can be transformed through a better understanding of how individuals better understanding of how individuals are always in relation with others are always in relation with others (community)(community)

In religion, individual and society are not In religion, individual and society are not opposites but require each other (246, opposites but require each other (246, 248)248)

Individualism in religionIndividualism in religion

Religion seen as private and personalReligion seen as private and personal Therapeutic approach for manyTherapeutic approach for many

Serves the individual; does not tie back into Serves the individual; does not tie back into communitycommunity

Accepting “valid authority” of a religious Accepting “valid authority” of a religious community is difficult for many (240)community is difficult for many (240)

80% think people should come to their beliefs 80% think people should come to their beliefs apart from any church/synagogue (228)apart from any church/synagogue (228)

Marriage not seen as tied into community Marriage not seen as tied into community (241)(241)

Types of religious Types of religious engagementengagement

ChurchChurch Group has priority over individual; “body of Christ”Group has priority over individual; “body of Christ” engages society; works for transformationengages society; works for transformation

SectSect Voluntary membership; individual has priority over Voluntary membership; individual has priority over

groupgroup Focuses on purity of groupFocuses on purity of group

MysticismMysticism Personal experiencePersonal experience Weak groupWeak group

““Radical religious individualism”: SheilaismRadical religious individualism”: Sheilaism

QuestionsQuestions

Do you think religion in America Do you think religion in America individualistic?individualistic? What factors make it so?What factors make it so? Do you think this religion is influenced by other Do you think this religion is influenced by other

(non-religious) forms of individualism in the U.S.?(non-religious) forms of individualism in the U.S.? How is religion in the U.S. community-How is religion in the U.S. community-

oriented?oriented? Do you disagree with Bellah’s presentation?Do you disagree with Bellah’s presentation? What forms of community are strong today?What forms of community are strong today?

More questionsMore questions

Do you think the example of Do you think the example of “Sheilaism” is representative of a “Sheilaism” is representative of a larger trend?larger trend? Do you interpret this positively or Do you interpret this positively or

negatively?negatively? Do you think American community Do you think American community

needs to be revitalized?needs to be revitalized? If so, how?If so, how?