For many millennials (not to mention others), Taylor Swift is a religious experience. One such person calls me Mom. My daughter—the same age as Swift—drove the backroads of rural Tillamook County blaring Swift’s earliest albums from a beat-up sedan that won ‘Worst Car’ her senior year. To daughter Madison, Swift comes close to perfection. Deciphering the genius and intent of her songs, the closest thing she has to religion. Her attendance of Taylor’s Eras Tour later this month will be her observance of high holy days—almost akin to a pilgrimage as she travels halfway across the country to attend with her best friend.
In this column, I assert that all people are religious. We all have sacred meaning systems that offer us stories, rituals, community, beliefs, and values to live by. Most of us have multiple religions, and many hold them unconsciously. Examples of “secular” religions might be football, party politics, or grandchildren…. {Read remainder of this article on Patheos HERE.}
I think it was a religious experience for my granddaughter as well.