Jeremy Carrette

Jeremy Carrette is a Professor of Philosophy, Religion and Culture at the University of Kent and a leading scholar in the fields of religion, psychology, and social theory. His work focuses particularly on the intersection of psychology, spirituality, and capitalism, with influential analyses of Michel Foucault's writings on religion. Carrette's most recognized works include "Religion and Critical Psychology" (2007) and "Selling Spirituality: The Silent Takeover of Religion" (2004, with Richard King). These publications critically examine the commodification of spirituality and the relationship between psychology and religion in contemporary culture. His research has contributed significantly to understanding how religious and spiritual practices are transformed within consumer society. Carrette's analysis of William James and the psychological study of religion has helped reshape academic perspectives on the historical relationship between psychology and religious experience. Throughout his career, Carrette has served as President of the British Association for the Study of Religions and has held visiting positions at Harvard University and the University of Massachusetts. His work continues to influence discussions about secularization, spiritual capitalism, and the politics of religious experience in modern society.

Readers value Carrette's academic analysis of spirituality in consumer culture, though some find his writing dense and theoretical. His book "Selling Spirituality" received particular attention for critiquing the commercialization of spiritual practices. What readers liked: - Thorough research and documentation - Clear connections between capitalism and modern spirituality - Strong theoretical framework around Foucault's religious writings - Balanced critique of consumer spirituality without dismissing genuine practice What readers disliked: - Complex academic language limits accessibility - Some arguments seen as repetitive - Limited practical applications or solutions offered - Heavy focus on theory over real-world examples Ratings across platforms: Goodreads: "Selling Spirituality" - 3.8/5 (42 ratings) "Religion and Critical Psychology" - 3.9/5 (12 ratings) Amazon: "Selling Spirituality" - 4.1/5 (8 reviews) One academic reviewer noted: "Carrette effectively exposes how spiritual practices become commodified, though the dense theoretical framework may deter general readers."

Selling Spirituality: The Silent Takeover of Religion (2005) Analysis of how spirituality has been commodified and marketed in contemporary consumer culture, examining its impact on religion and society.

Religion and Critical Psychology: Religious Experience in the Knowledge Economy (2007) Examination of the relationship between psychology and religion, focusing on how religious experience is understood within modern psychological frameworks.

William James's Hidden Religious Imagination: A Universe of Relations (2013) Study of William James's religious thought through analysis of his unpublished letters, notes, and personal documents.

Religion, Society, and Culture: Foucault on Religious Experience (2000) Exploration of Michel Foucault's perspectives on religion and how they relate to broader social and cultural contexts.

Religion and Power (2017) Investigation of the dynamics between religious institutions, political systems, and social power structures throughout history.

Foucault and Religion (1999) Analysis of Michel Foucault's writings and theories regarding religion, spirituality, and institutional religious practices.

Michel Foucault examines religion, power, and social institutions through critical theory and historical analysis. His work on discourse, knowledge systems, and institutional control shares themes with Carrette's research on religion and power dynamics.

William James pioneered psychological and philosophical studies of religious experience in the early 20th century. His empirical approach to studying religious consciousness and personal spiritual experiences aligns with Carrette's interest in psychology of religion.

Talal Asad investigates how religion functions within systems of power and secular modernity. His anthropological analysis of religious practices and their relationship to colonialism connects to Carrette's work on religion in contemporary culture.

Grace Jantzen explores feminist philosophy of religion and mysticism through psychoanalytic and postmodern perspectives. Her critiques of traditional religious scholarship and focus on embodied spirituality parallel Carrette's examination of gender and religious experience.

Mark C. Taylor analyzes religion through postmodern theory and examines its intersection with economics and technology. His work on religious systems in contemporary society relates to Carrette's research on spirituality in consumer culture.