Bruno Latour’s Beings of Religion
Implicit Religion – October 30, 2025
Source: OpenAlex
Summary
Latour highlights the transformative power of "beings of religion," which differ significantly from psychogenic beings that shape personal identity. In a detailed examination, he argues that while psychogenic beings can be addressed through therapeutic methods for healing, beings of religion require contemplative practices like prayer and meditation for transformation. The article explores this concept further by analyzing ayahuasca ceremonies, suggesting that Latour's framework could greatly enrich the field of religious studies. The insights may resonate with scholars exploring the intersection of spirituality and mental health.
Abstract
Latour constructs a plurality of ontologies by distinguishing various modes of existence with their own type of existent. One of these modes of existence is religion, which involves invisible “beings of religion.” Latour criticizes both psychological and (onto)theological interpretations of such beings. He distinguishes between psychogenic beings that constitute the self, and beings of religion that transform the self. Whereas psychogenic beings can be addressed through therapeutic or ritual procedures that can provide cure, beings of religion can be addressed through contemplative practices of prayer, meditation, or ceremony that can transform. This article argues that Latour’s beings of religion may have much potential for religious studies and presents a Latourian description of ayahuasca ceremonies as a case study.