Transcendence and Collective Psychology

This book a sequel to 2022's acclaimed Storytelling and Collective Psychology - explores the arcane terrains where science, psychology, and spirituality meet, from mystical theology to UFOs, psychedelics, and near-death experiences. At the heart of the book is the work of Richard Rohr, a Franciscan friar and Christian mystic whose contemplative wisdom bridges sacred traditions with modern life. Rohr's insights into non-duality, metaphor, and cosmic consciousness provide the tools to navigate transcendence with openness and discernment. From there, Kelsey leads readers into wider case studiesencounters with the UFO phenomenon, the psychedelic renaissance, and transformative near-death experienceseach revealing how transcendental urges shape both individual lives and collective psychology. Through case studies of cosmic encounters, visionary substances, and transformative experiences of death and rebirth, Kelsey shows that transcendence is not peripheral to human life but fundamental to it. Written as the second volume in a trilogy on collective psychology, this book is an invitation to seekers and sceptics alike: to embrace awe, mystery, and imagination as vital forces for personal transformation and collective flourishing.

Explores the role of myths, conspiracy theories and faith in collective psychology Frames collective psychology through the work of Richard Rohr, a theologian and New York Times best-selling author Follows from 2022's Storytelling and Collective Psychology Ancient Wisdom, Modern Life and the Work of Derren Brown

Autorentext

Darren Kelsey is Professor of Media and Collective Psychology at Newcastle University. He is currently writing a trilogy on collective psychology, following his 2022 monograph Storytelling and Collective Psychology: Ancient Wisdom, Modern Life and the Work of Derren Brown. His research explores storytelling, psychology, philosophy, and popular culture across diverse contexts. Darren uses his research in collective psychology for teaching and leadership as well as community work and public engagement.

Klappentext
"Richard Rohr's work explores how timeless contemplative practices go hand in hand with social action on today's most pressing challenges. In this fascinating new book, Darren Kelsey places Rohr in a broader context, exploring the ways in which collective psychological dynamics and our yearning for transcendent experience are showing up in myriad ways in the strange, liminal time we're living through. An essential read for seekers and sceptics alike." - Alex Evans, Founder of Larger Us and author of the Myth Gap, Yorkshire, UK. This book a sequel to 2022's acclaimed Storytelling and Collective Psychology - explores the arcane terrains where science, psychology, and spirituality meet, from mystical theology to UFOs, psychedelics, and near-death experiences. At the heart of the book is the work of Richard Rohr, a Franciscan friar and Christian mystic whose contemplative wisdom bridges sacred traditions with modern life. Rohr's insights into non-duality, metaphor, and cosmic consciousness provide the tools to navigate transcendence with openness and discernment. From there, Kelsey leads readers into wider case studiesencounters with the UFO phenomenon, the psychedelic renaissance, and transformative near-death experienceseach revealing how transcendental urges shape both individual lives and collective psychology. Through case studies of cosmic encounters, visionary substances, and transformative experiences of death and rebirth, Kelsey shows that transcendence is not peripheral to human life but fundamental to it. Written as the second volume in a trilogy on collective psychology, this book is an invitation to seekers and sceptics alike: to embrace awe, mystery, and imagination as vital forces for personal transformation and collective flourishing. Darren Kelsey is Professor of Media and Collective Psychology at Newcastle University. He is currently writing a trilogy on collective psychology, following his 2022 monograph Storytelling and Collective Psychology: Ancient Wisdom, Modern Life and the Work of Derren Brown. His research explores storytelling, psychology, philosophy, and popular culture across diverse contexts. Darren uses his research in collective psychology for teaching and leadership as well as community work and public engagement.

Inhalt

Preface: For the Seekers and Sceptics.- Chapter 1 Introduction: From the Porch to the Cross.- Chapter 2 Craving Transcendence.- Chapter 3 The Mystic Mentor.- Chapter 4 Dancing and Flowing.- Chapter 5 Angels and Intermediaries.- Chapter 6 Encounters and Epiphanies.- Chapter 7 Chemical Tricksters.- Chapter 8 Psychedelic Renaissance.- Chapter 9 Transcending Death .- Chapter 10 Troubles and Transformations.- Chapter 11 Conclusion: Mystical Futures.- Postface: Mystical Journeys.