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Religions Aligned with Neoliberalism

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The i-zation of Society, Religion, and Neoliberal Post-Secularism

Abstract

This chapter discusses the explicit involvement of religion in neoliberalism with regard to consumer culture and productivity. It explores religions that are positively engaging with neoliberalism, and details two telling cases—the New Age (also called alternative spiritualties) and the prosperity religious groups. These are both consuming religions, but the former uses a type of free-floating approach (hyper-consumerism) whereas the latter follow the guidelines of an authority (hypo-consumerism). In between the two extremes on this religious spectrum, more mainstream religions are also embracing changes brought about by neoliberalism. As fewer people attend religious ceremonies, many churches are moving with the times and using new marketing techniques to attract adherents.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Western Sydney University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia

    Adam Possamai

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  1. Adam Possamai
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Possamai, A. (2018). Religions Aligned with Neoliberalism. In: The i-zation of Society, Religion, and Neoliberal Post-Secularism. Palgrave Macmillan, Singapore. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-10-5942-1_2

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-10-5942-1_2

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  • Publisher Name: Palgrave Macmillan, Singapore

  • Print ISBN: 978-981-10-5941-4

  • Online ISBN: 978-981-10-5942-1

  • eBook Packages: Social SciencesSocial Sciences (R0)

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