The religion in Western society has experienced tremendous transformations since the 1960s. By reviewing the studies in sociology of religion, this paper shows that Self Religion has become a significant theme in the religious transformations. Many sociologists describe these prominent changes from different aspects. For example, Hammond proposes that the increase of religious autonomy is a significant facet in contemporary American religious transformations. Wuthnow identifies that, since the 1950s, the American religion has changed from a dwelling-oriented spirituality to a seeking-oriented one. Roof reveals that the baby boom generation has been attracted to the subjectivity- centered and multilayered religious beliefs. This paper also discusses related sociological issues, such as the definition of religion, the types of New Religious Movements, Durkheim’s cult of man, and Luckmann’s invisible religion. In general, these studies show the decline of institutional religion and the enhancement of autonomy in individual’s religious affairs. To conclude, I delineate the characteristics of Self Religion, in which New Age spirituality is a central component.
