Brendan Graham Dempsey

Brendan Graham Dempsey

Brendan Graham Dempsey is a writer whose work focuses on the meaning crisis and the nature of spirituality in metamodernity. He earned his BA in Religious Studies from the University of Vermont and his MA in Religion and the Arts from Yale University. His work has been deeply influenced by the writings of Ken Wilber and other integral thinkers. He lives in Greensboro Bend, Vermont, where he runs the holistic retreat center Sky Meadow.

IAM Spotlight: Faith Development Pathway

IAM Spotlight: Faith Development Pathway

Brendan Graham Dempsey   June 11, 2025  
Brendan Dempsey offers a powerful re-engagement with James Fowler’s Faith Development Theory, applying cutting-edge tools from developmental psychology to illuminate how our structures of meaning evolve. This presentation reveals not just how faith matures, but why this maturation is critical for meeting the challenges of a world in search of deeper coherence.
IAM Spotlight: The Cultural Complexity Index

IAM Spotlight: The Cultural Complexity Index

Brendan Graham Dempsey   February 7, 2025  
Brendan Graham Dempsey introduces the Cultural Complexity Index (CCI), a groundbreaking initiative that empirically measures cognitive complexity in historical texts, revealing patterns in human meaning-making across time. By analyzing symbolic representation rather than collective belief systems, the CCI provides fresh insights into cultural evolution while distinguishing individual cognitive development from broader social dynamics.
Introducing the Cultural Complexity Index

Introducing the Cultural Complexity Index

Brendan Graham Dempsey   August 7, 2024  
The Institute of Applied Metatheory recently chose to organize, fund and incubate a significant new Applied Metatheory Initiative called the Cultural Complexity Index, which we see as holding the potential to act as a high-leverage project for long-term social emancipation.
Is Metamodernism Integral? Is Integral Metamodern?

Is Metamodernism Integral? Is Integral Metamodern?

Brendan Graham Dempsey   August 4, 2023  
Metamodernism and the integral paradigm share a lot in common, yet also differ in important ways. To what degree should these terms be conflated or kept apart? What unites them, and what constitute the meaningful distinctions? What role do things like sensibility, generation, emphasis, and epistemology play? This gathering provided an opportunity to dig into this topic. To this end, metamodern thinker Brendan Graham Dempsey offers some history and a bit of compare/contrast perspectives on the topic.