Professor Dr. Morgan Shipley

Biography

Morgan Shipley is an Associate Professor of Religious Studies at Michigan State University, where he also holds the inaugural Foglio Endowed Chair in Spirituality. His academic work focuses on understanding the dynamics of spirituality and its relationship with institutional religiosity, particularly the ways individuals and groups identify as spiritual or religious in contemporary society. He engages with themes of secular spirituality, exploring how these expressions interact with cultural, social, and political contexts. Shipley's scholarly contributions include the monograph "Psychedelic Mysticism: Transforming Consciousness, Religious Experiences, and Voluntary Peasants in Postwar America," which investigates the connection between mystical experiences and social change. His teaching philosophy emphasizes the need for a values-driven, human-centered approach to education, intending to cultivate engaged, compassionate, and thoughtful citizens. In his classes, he challenges students to reflect on important questions of purpose, morality, and community engagement, aiming for a transformative educational experience that enhances their capacity for empathy and social responsibility.

Research Interests

Courses