Abstract
Religious “nones” represent a significant portion of the US and Western world population, yet their actions and decision-making processes remain poorly understood. This paper addresses the misconception of religious nones as hedonistic individuals devoid of moral compass and instead explores the role of pleasure in shaping their everyday lives. Drawing on philosophical concepts such as hedonism, eudaimonia, harmonia, and legal positivism, the study examines how different types of religious nones approach pleasure and the sources of authority they rely on to determine its permissibility. Using a stratification system based on the locus of authority, the paper categorizes religious nones into distinct groups: inactive nonbelievers, inactive believers, involved seculars, spiritual but not religious individuals, and involved believers. Each group’s orientation towards pleasure is analyzed within the framework of their relationship to authority, ranging from an internal locus of control to external sources such as religious doctrine or societal norms. Contrary to stereotypes, religious nones exhibit diverse attitudes towards pleasure, reflecting a complex interplay between individual autonomy and external influences. While some prioritize immediate gratification, others consider broader ethical or communal implications, demonstrating a nuanced understanding of pleasure beyond mere hedonism. This study challenges prevailing misconceptions and underscores the need for a more nuanced approach to studying religious nones, taking into account the multifaceted relationship between pleasure and authority in shaping their lived experiences.
Details
Presentation Type
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Theme
KEYWORDS
Religion, Authority, Lived Religion
