The Faces of Religion, Religiosity, and Spirituality in the Light of the Results of the Trend Reports Research

Abstract

Trend analysis as a foresight method is gaining popularity. Category of “trend” is not very precise, but we could define it as directions of changes in values and needs. In this meaning, trends link the present and projected future. There are more and more commercial, nonacademic analysis of trends. Professional firms and organizations show directions and sources of “always approaching” changes and they are preparing the strategies of dealing with them. We can read published reports as text showing present imaginations of the future. Reports usually concern the economy or technology development but some of them give insight into what would be the place of religion and spirituality in that future. The elaborations indicate the disappearance of religion and its replacement by spirituality. The main directions of religious changes are connected with “wellness” and “dying well” trends.

Keywords

• spirituality
• wellness
• trends analysis
• projects of future
• hybrid religion
• dying well
• formal religion