The concept of spirituality permeates modern culture: from a series of academic books on "Classics of Western Spirituality" to self-help guides, from the use of Buddhist mind meditation (usually separated from Buddhist religious teachings) in medical therapy to "spirituality of nature," spiritually oriented peace activists New Spiritual Music. Spirituality has become a common part of our cultural vocabulary.

It is not only an important concept in itself but plays important and productive roles in the fields of psychology, ecology, medicine and even politics. Millions describe themselves as "spiritual but not religious." Academicians describe much of contemporary religious life in the United States, focusing on "soul-searching".

The quick search on Amazon.com shows hundreds of books whose titles take the spiritual form of X Or spirituality and Y. At the same time, the concept is used in widely conflicting ways, often confusing.

Most people believe they know what they are when they see it, but attempts to define or understand spirituality in a homogeneous manner are usually limited, distorted, or non-historical. Roger Gottlieb offers a clear overview of spirituality, which gives the reader a clear understanding of the concept, its other multifaceted links to personal and social life, its role as a positive psychological and social phenomenon, and some of the risks it presents.

The book combines thoughtful analysis with a generally sympathetic perspective. Spirituality is seen as a form that can be useful for personal identity and practice, and a possible counterweight to a number of mental illnesses and social diseases in contemporary society..