Sanctification theory: Is nontheistic sanctification nontheistic enough?


Is nontheistic sanctification, nontheistic enough? In other words, does sanctification theory (Pargament & Mahoney, 2005) extend far enough to adequately include the full range of religious and spiritual expressions located under the nontheistic category? To address this question, results are applied from a qualitative study, using a narrative phenomenological approach to examine how nature is sanctified. The predominant theme, experiences of immanent transcendence, raises questions about the inclusivity of nontheistic sanctification. Suggestions are made as to how sanctification might accommodate a growing “middle ground” of religious and spiritual expressions. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2018 APA, all rights reserved)