Exploring belief systems in the real world by looking beyond common labels.

What is it about?

This paper argues that labels like 'religion' and 'spirituality' are unhelpful when studying the beliefs of individuals in the contemporary world. It reviews recent research that suggests the commonly used distinctions are political acts that distinguish groups from each other and protect specific beliefs. All beliefs, including those that are considered secular or non-religious, interact with each other and to understand how beliefs form and change we need to study these interactions carefully.

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Why is it important?

Religious, spiritual and other ideological beliefs can have a massive impact on how people act - and often actions motivated by strong beliefs have lasting consequences for others. These consequences can be either good or bad but if we are to encourage good actions (such as charity) and reduce negative ones (such as terrorism) we need to understand how powerful beliefs form, change and are sustained. This requires a clearer conceptual understanding of what beliefs actually are.

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