The Concept of Religion In Ken Wilber’s The Religion of Tomorrow

Abstract

This research is entitled ‘The Concept of Religion in Ken Wilber's Book The Religion of Tomorrow’. This study was motivated by the phenomenon of modern religiosity in addressing various global crises, such as religious pluralism, the crisis of meaning, and secularization, as well as the trend of understanding religion in a reductionist manner, which only views religion from the aspects of intuition and doctrine. In this context, Ken Wilber proposes an integral approach that places religious experience at the centre of the understanding of religion, while integrating the spiritual, rational, and holistic growth of human consciousness. Based on this background, this study aims to (1) examine Ken Wilber’s concept of religion The Religion of Tomorrow and (2) describe his views on universal religious experience as presented in the same work. The study focuses on Wilber's theoretical construction of the development of consciousness, religion as an integrated phenomenon, and the role of spiritual experience within the structure of human development. This research adopts a literature study with a descriptive-analytical qualitative approach. The primary source of this research is the book The Religion of Tomorrow by Ken Wilber, supported by additional works related to integral theory. Data were collected through documentation studies of related literature, which were then analyzed in a structured manner using hermeneutics and religious research approaches in order to understand Wilber's conceptual thought structure. The findings indicate that, according to Ken Wilber, religion cannot be simplified as merely a system of beliefs, formal rituals, or institutions, but rather has its roots in universal religious experiences that are capable of transforming a person. Wilber emphasises that the development of religion parallels the evolution of human consciousness, progressing from the pre-rational to rational and ultimately to transrational stages. The concept of the Religion of Tomorrow proposes a model of religiosity that integrates modern rational thought, scientific insight, and profound spiritual meaning. Thus, religion remains relevant in addressing the challenges of modernity and contemporary cultural diversity. This study is expected to contribute to the development of a more holistic and non-reductionist approach to the study of religion. Future researchers, are encouraged to extend this study through comparative approach to other figures or through empirical research that reviews the application of integral theory in current religious practices.

Keywords