and workshops were offered, interest in Eastern religions began to grow, and the language of spirituality became an accepted part of therapy and self-help groups. On the surface, this curiosity about spirituality seemed like a boon to American religion and culture. As we look back, however, we recognize that it also has an ambiguous side. The search for spirituality tended to be subject to whatever meaning and experience seekers chose. It was often consumer oriented, focusing primarily on personal