Follow Up: The Times They Are a Changin'

Bob Dylan once wrote a song that can hold it's own against the tests of time, given the fact it remarks on exactly that notion: once in a while, the people, thoughts, and times will change. Regarding what was discussed in class this week, I thought it would be appropriate to expand on the ideas of "Sheilaism" and the ever-changing demographics of religion in American society today. The religious community is evolving from the traditional, conservative religious values and belief systems to more radical, liberal ways of thinking about life in the context of spirituality. The topic of Sheilaism was discussed as the primary culture-shock that religion is receiving in society: basically the cherry-picking of values to fit your personal thoughts on a possible afterlife, as well as the meaning of life in general. Notions of choice, self-discovery, and free will come into play when deciding which faith to follow in this day and age.

Bellah describes this phenomenon as a growing concern in society. His interview with a woman (named Sheila), who believes that her personal preferences should dictate her faith, describes his observations of Americans becoming more individualistically-minded rather than understanding the benefit of a community and organized religions. He claims that instead of seeking inward spiritual satisfaction, one should continue to rely on others, based on the ideology of "being in it together" and of dependancy. I tend to agree with the notions he sets forth, being a practicing Catholic, and to some extent I'm taking interest in the shift from traditional forms of belief to more liberal, individualistic forms. Whichever your preference, I recommend reading an article from 2012 that expands on this idea of "Sheilaism". Even though I may not agree with the changes that are occurring in society, I accept the fact that indeed the times are a changin'.