Postsecularization and new forms and distortions of the sacred.

Abstract

Postsecularization has led to a revival of the sacred and an unprecedented religious diversity. Previously, secularization seemed unstoppable, marking the decline of religious influence in modern societies. However, postmodernity opened the doors to a more flexible rationality, fostering the resurgence of the sacred in various forms. This religious revival is reflected in the multitude of beliefs and spiritual practices that proliferate in the current globalized context. In this postsecular landscape, new religious expressions emerge that challenge traditional categories and blur the boundaries between the sacred and the profane. Mass esotericism, for example, presents itself as a superficial and commercial version of ancient mystical practices, capturing the attention of millions through cultural products such as comics, video games, and movies. These simulacra of the sacred, driven by technological advances, find a niche among the expectations and fantasies of an audience eager for spiritual experiences. On the other hand, superheroes, modern icons embodying the concept of the superhuman, also play a relevant role in this context. Often, superheroes are worshipped and revered in a similar manner to traditional deities, challenging conventional notions of the sacred and the profane. Their popularity and cultural relevance make them cult figures for many people, especially among younger generations. This is the topic of the present work.