“The Routledge International Handbook of Spirituality in Society and the Professions” edited by Laszlo Zsolnai and Bernadette Flanagan was published in 2019 by Routledge in New York.
Spirituality is defined in the book as a multiform search for a transcendent meaning of life that connects people to all living beings and brings them in touch with God or ‘Ultimate Reality’. Spirituality is an aspect of every sphere of social life. It appears in humanity’s dealings with nature, home and community, healing, economics and business, knowledge, and education. The Routledge International Handbook of Spirituality in Society and the Professions is a collection that summarizes the most important issues, frameworks, discussions, and problems relating to spiritually inspired activities in different fields of social life.
The contributors explore how spirituality is a part of human existence and present approaches and models for professionals working in diverse areas. Presented in seven parts, the book provides a full overview of current research and practice. Part “Facets of Spirituality” explores topics including philosophy, psychology, theology, and culture. Part “Nature” looks at ecology, agriculture, cities, and tourism. Part “Home and Community” presents chapters on various life stages, disability, gender, and culture. Part “Healing” examines medicine, mental and physical health, and ill-health. Part “Economy, Politics, and Law” discusses business, leadership and the workplace, peace, and policing. Part “Knowledge and Education” includes chapters on science, design, fashion, literature, and the arts. Part “Way Forward” looks into the future with a chapter on inter-spirituality and the renewal of social practices. Driven by contemporary research and new developments, this Handbook is an innovative and interdisciplinary collection that provides an essential overview of contemporary spirituality and society from an international selection of contributors.
The Routledge International Handbook of Spirituality in Society and the Professions offers accessible, diverse, and engaging international research, and its scope appeals to academics and students of a wide range of subjects, including aging and addiction, psychology, theology, religious studies, sociology, business studies, and philosophy. It is also an important work for professionals in medical and social services, the clergy, education, business, the arts, religious communities, and members of organizations looking at the links between spirituality, religion, and society.