ABSTRACT
This chapter marks the commencement of our exploration of the life worlds of religious young adults. It focuses specifically on the participants' religious faiths: the multiple meanings of religion, and the social connections they fostered, particularly in relation to religious spaces. Contemporary society is characterised by the pluralisation of life worlds and the diversification and fragmentation of meanings and values. This chapter explores four aspects of their embracing and living out religious faith: religious position, (non)engagement with religious community, perception of religious authority structures and private religious practices. Community belonging could generate a positive emotional outcome as a result of participation in communal rituals. This affect reinforces one's personal and social identities as an individual believer, as well as through membership of a community of faith or believers. The emphasis on individualised spiritual and personal development, as well as an action-based faith that addresses social and political concerns, are reminiscent of what Lynch calls progressive spirituality'.
