Abstract
Since the latter half of the 20th century, with the great development of modern religious cultures (especially in the English speaking world), a phenomenon generally called "spirituality" has received much attention. This can often be called "an alternative to religion," but primarily it originated from traditional religion, especially from Christianity. Therefore the "spirituality" of today is essentially related to the meaning of Christian spirituality, though it has brought out specific phenomena indigenous to this generation. Considering this point of view, "spirituality" is better described as it is pronounced in English, instead of taking the trouble to translate it into Japanese. When thinking of modern religious cultures, it is useful to consider "spirituality" as another working hypothesis to set up a new axis of coordinates for considering religion in general. Unlike the traditional concept of "religion," this concept of "spirituality" contains varied and flexible characteristics, so it makes people conscious of their own standpoint in it, including those involved in it and those who speak about it. That is, they are obliged to have a sense of actual commitment. Further-more, to imagine "spirituality" apart from the existing religious groups will bring about new criticism about religion, in a sense different from that of the Enlightenment.
