The following questions illustrate (but do not exhaust) the thematic scope of this initiative: We particularly encourage the development of projects that are cross-disciplinary or inter-disciplinary in nature, and that bring philosophical, theological, and religious studies scholarship into substantive engagement with the human and social sciences. We invite proposals that make use of a variety of research methods, including but not limited to qualitative research, theory-construction, conceptual clarification, surveys, experimental research, and normative argument. This initiative focuses on the two broad themes of spiritual yearning and meaning-making for the nonreligious, with each of these themes covering a number of possible empirical and conceptual research questions. Additionally, the initiative seeks to explore the ways in which the experiences and practices of the “spiritual but not religious” might constructively engage with and benefit individuals and communities within religious traditions. Regardless of the particular label such individuals might use to describe their spiritual orientations, the Foundation is here primarily interested in spiritual yearning and meaning-making among the nonreligious, as opposed to those who are either uninterested in questions of existential or ultimate concern, or are otherwise unbothered by spiritual matters. Such people may describe themselves as “religious Nones,” “spiritual but not religious,” agnostic, or something else altogether. SYRI’s purpose is to support scholarship of this kind on the experiences, yearnings, and possibilities for spiritual flourishing of those who either do not find themselves at home within traditional religious communities or do not find the belief systems of traditional religions compelling. This funding area seeks to address questions of meaning, spirituality, and purpose by encouraging research that engages substantively and critically with the sciences. The Religion, Science, and Society funding area is particularly interested in supporting research that advances our understanding of the ways in which religious and spiritual beliefs and practices affect human flourishing, both within and outside of religious traditions. The Foundation has long been committed to supporting projects that bring philosophical and theological scholarship into conversation with the sciences. The Foundation’s aim in this initiative is to arrive at a better understanding of spiritual yearning and flourishing among the spiritually curious but nonreligious, by supporting research by scholars within philosophy, theology, religious studies, and the psychological sciences. SYRI’s overarching big question is: How can those who experience a deep yearning for a meaningful spiritual life, but find traditional religion unsatisfying, fulfill that yearning? This question involves empirical, conceptual, and normative dimensions, calling for an approach that is cross-disciplinary in nature. The Spiritual Yearning Research Initiative (SYRI) is aimed at addressing the spiritual yearnings, existential concerns, and search for meaning of spiritually curious but nonreligious individuals and communities. Spiritual Yearning Research Initiative: The Search for Meaning Among the Nonreligious
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