chapter 11: alternative paths
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Made by Theology 101, Nhan, Derek, Gina, Hannah, Robin, and Alex from University Of PortlandTRANSCRIPT
CHAPTER OBJECTIVES
Discuss the reasons for the emergence of new religious movements.
Explain the difference between a cult and a sect.
Describe major examples of alternative religion.
Discuss the roles that new religious movements play
ORIGINS OF NEW RELIGIONS
(PAGE 490 – 492)
Forces Prompting change in religions:
Religions, like culture and life are constantly changing.
Followers of one religion move into another culture and their religion mixes with another locally established religion thus creating a hybrid faith.
Social problems sometimes create new religion, one that helps people cope and understand these social issues.
ORIGINS OF NEW RELIGION
Followers of a religion argue with each other and break up, sometimes creating a new branch( i.e. protestant reformation) or sometimes creating an entirely new religion.
An individual have life-changings insights, attract followers, and create new religion around themselves.
It is important to realize that many of the major religions and denominations of today began under similar circumstances.
(PAGE 490 – 492)
ORIGINS OF NEW RELIGIONS
Developmental Relationships between new religious movements and established traditions:
Often emergences of religious variants are close enough to their origins to be considered a modern interpretation of an older religion. For example, in Christianity there are now followers of Mormons and Christian Science
There are movements that begin within one religion and take on such independent forms that they are considered a new religion. For example Baha’i grew out Shiite Islam but now is considered its own religion.
(PAGE 490 – 492)
ORIGINS OF NEW RELIGIONS
Quite often a new religious movement is syncretic- a blend of religions. In this section we see this predominantly in Cao Dai
(PAGE 490 – 492)
Pop Quiz
1/ The term _______ is used to describe the mixture of various elements from different religious
A. polytheism
B. imminent
C. transcendent
D. syncretic
Pop Quiz
2/ A new religion can be formed by an individual who have life-changing insight.
A – True
B – False
New Religions VS Old Religions
New religious movements often generate and suspicion and tension with larger and older religions, because:
They are small and different
New religions are sometimes looked down upon by members of larger and older religions ( New movement wins converts from an established religion)
The term, “Cults” and “Sects” are formed to describe new religions movements.
Definition
“Sects”:
Literally means division.
Suggest a dangerous threat to social unity
Scholars nowadays define the term “Sects” to be somewhat loosely structured
Definition
“Cults”:
From the Latin meaning is cultivate and culture
Frequently used to describe a small group that is isolated and under the control of a charismatic and dictatorial leaders
New religious movements should be
viewed with caution while others with
toleranceSome religious beliefs and leaders can indeed wield dangerous power over their followers.
At the same time, we view different new religious movements as dangerous simply because they are different.
However, back in the past, people viewed Christianity and Buddhism were dangerous import from Jewish Cult, and from India Cult.
Therefore, scholars try to find new terms that are emotionally neutral to describe new religions.
CONTEMPORARY PAGANISM
Refers to religious movements that attempt to return to nature-based on the early cultures of Europe.
Although pagan was used in a demeaning way, it actually means “countryside” because the religions existed in the rural areas of Europe.
The most common forms of Contemporary Paganism draws from Celtic mythology for its foundation.
WICCA
Wicca is an old English word that has an association with magic, separation and holiness.
Modern Wicca is referred to as the Craft or the Old Religion.
Wiccans worship both goddesses and gods whose imagery is rooted in nature.
Wicca has various branches and traditions that share many pints.
Women play a prominent role as bearers of knowledge and as leaders of ritual in Wicca.
WICCA
They receive their structure from the movement of the moon and sun
The solar cycle is celebrated by as many as eight seasonal turning points (Sabbats) that include the Solstices and equinoxes.
Wicca also celebrates the new and full moons. Esbats celebrate the full moon.
Wicca has three stages of knowledge, where the second and third allows the practitioner to start an independent worship group. Both male and female Wiccans call themselves Witches.
WICCA
Wiccan Rede is the Wiccans primary commandment, and states “An [if] it harm none, do what you will. The individual can do anything as long as it doesn’t harm others”
Wicca has a strong respect for nature so many are vegetarian and have strong moral interests in protection of the environment.
DRUIDISM
The Druid movement is particularly popular in England, and began in the 18th century to reintroduce the religion practiced by the Celts 2000 years ago.
Modern Druidism has had to borrow from the data of literature and archeology as well as recreate organization and ritual.
Druids recognize three paths of practice, similar to the Wiccan stages of knowledge. These paths are bards, ovates, and druids.
Druids follow the same eight-part seasonal calendar as Wiccans. Stonehenge is commonly associated with the modern Druids who use it to celebrate the summer solstice.
OVERVIEW OF WICCA AND DRUIDISM
Margaret Murray: an anthropologist who gave strong evidence that earlier forms of Witchcraft existed in Europe.
Wiccan writer Leo Martello’s work helped start the practice of Wicca in North America and his knowledge traces back to his Sicilian ancestors.
Gerald Gardner, Alex Sanders, and Doreen Valiente recommend and create rituals, phrases, and other elements that are part of modern Wicca.
Information about ancient Druid practices comes from classical Roman literature, including the writings of Julius Caesar and historian Tacitus.
Pop Quiz
1/ ____________ is a general name for religious movements attempting to return to earlier, nature-based religions.
Pop Quiz
2/ One of eight seasonal turning points, the ____ is marked by Wiccans and Druids
A. Sabbat
B. Sabbath
C. Conclave
D. Day of labor.
The Book Of Shadows
Traditionally, it was held that only one book of shadows was to exist in
a coven, and kept by the high priestess or high priest. However,
this rule proved to be unfeasible, so now, generally, each Witch has their
personal copy. It was customary that the Witch's copy had to be
hand copied by the Witch from the copy of the high priestess or priest. But, as with all things changes do
occur; now days it is not uncommon for a copy of the book of shadows to be copied from a computer floppy
disk.Source: http://www.themystica.org/mystica/articles/b/book_of_shadows.html
Background Information
When people from one culture enter another they bring aspects of their religion with them.
The Santeria, Voodoo, and Candomblé religions all have roots in the indigenous Yoruba tradition of Africa.
Enslaved Africans, primarily from West Africa, carried their religions to South America, the Caribbean, and North America and new mixtures of religions arose as their indigenous religions blended with the colonizers’ Christianity.
The Yoruba people’s religions were among the most influential in the New World.
Background Information
All three religions are mixtures of Roman Catholicism with native African religions
The synthesis of the religions was not happy; it was one of coercion and fear
Slaves were forcibly baptized and their own religion was suppressed
Despite this their beliefs did not die out; the religions changed to appear to conform to Catholic belief
They would use saints as representations of their native gods
Synthesis or Dissumulation?
Raul Canizares, a priest of Santería, describes the merging of the religions not a synthesis but rather a dissimulation
This is because those practicing the native religion often deliberately hid their beliefs and practices
We see this most in their supposed veneration of the Catholic saints
Similarities between the Yoruba
Religion and Roman CatholicismBoth believe in:
A single High God
Supernatural beings who mediate between God and humans
Existence of spirits of the dead
Power if ritual
It was easy to adapt the Catholic calendar of saints’ days to the worship of their native deities
Differences seen in the Yoruba Tradition
The Yoruba God has no interest in individual human affairs
Human beings must approach the High God
People can only gain power by contacting invisible supernatural beings called orishas
Orishas
In Santería they are called ochas
In Voodoo they are called Ioa or Iwa
In Candomblé they are called orixas
Orishas are sometimes called gods, similar to the Greek and Roman gods
Orishas have individual humanlike characteristics
Gentle, playful, etc…
They are in charge of certain aspects of nature and they know specialized crafts
Oceans, lightning, etc..
Metalworking…
Orishas
To keep the orishas happy or to procure favors from them people have to keep them fed
Sacrifice of animals is a part of some rituals
Santería’s sacrificial practices have been upheld by the U.S. Supreme Court
Some use drink and food as substitutes for animals now
Orishas may “mount” a believer who will go into a trance and magically “become” the god
Orishas are considered divine whereas saints are not
People are initiated under the protection of one orisha and that orisha becomes the person’s guardian deity
Initiations are performed by priests
Male priest: santero
Female priest: santera
Currently only men can become high priests
In Santería high priests are called babalawos
Orishas
Santería
Influenced by Spanish colonial Catholicism
Developed in Cuba
Santería means “saint-thing” or “saint-way”
Santería is also known as Lukimí or Lucimí which is from the Yoruba Language
Major Orishas (Ochas) of Santería
Elegguá (aka Elegbara or Eshu)
Has knowledge of destiny
First orisha to be prayed to in ritual
Messenger god &Trickster
Associated with turning points
Colors are black and red
Parallel Catholic saint is usually Saint Anthony
Oshún
Goddes of love, fertility, and marriage
Associated with rivers
Symbols are boats and mirrors
Colors are yellow and white
Catholic parallel is Our Lady of Charity
Major Orishas (Ochas) of Santería
Shangó (Changó)
Thought to be a Yoruba king who was deified
Young, passionate, powerful, handsome, and vain
Associated with powerful storms, lightning, and thunder
Symbol is the two-edged axe
Colors are red and white
Saint Barbara is his closest Catholic parallel
Babalú-Ayé
Compassionate old man with a crutch
He is called to heal serious bodily afflictions
Symbol is a crutch
Colors are white and blue
Parallel is Saint Lazarus
Major Orishas (Ochas) of Santería
Obatalá
Associated with itelligence
He formed the earth and human beings at God’s command
Symbol is the horsetail whisk, a symbol of authority
Color is white
Parallel is Our Lady of Mercy
Ochosi
A hunter
Color is purple
Symbol is a crossbow
Parallel is Saint Norbert.
Major Orishas (Ochas) of Santería
Oggún
Metalworker
Symbols are the knife and pick
Patron of barbers, butchers, and all who work with knives and metal
Responsible for war and vehicle accidents
Colors are black and green
Parallel is Saint Peter
Yemayá
Protector of women
Help with motherhood
Associated with the ocean
Symbols are coral and seashells
Colors are white and blue
Parallel is Our Lady of Regla
Oyá
Associated with high winds, death, and cemeteries
Can give protection from dying
Symbol is the horsetail
Colors are white and burgundy
Parallel is Our Lady of Candelaria
Major Orishas (Ochas) of Santería
Voodoo
Influenced by French Catholicism
Developed in Haiti
Voodoo comes from the Fon word “vodun” which means mysterious power
Because of the negative connotations associated with the word “voodoo” some prefer to call the religion Voudun
Where are these religions now?
Candomblé has been recognized as an official religion in Brazil
Emigration from the Caribbean has brought Santería and Voodoo to the some large cities in the U.S.
Miami, New York, Los Angeles…
Voodoo has a long history in new Orleans
Pop Quiz
2/ ________, a religion that developed in French colonial Haiti, is a mixture of Yoruba religions and Catholicism
A. Santeria
B. Candomble
C. Voodoo
Background
Theosophy is a religious movement that is rooted in the indigenous religions and draws upon the traditions of Hinduism and Buddhism.
This movement began in the 19th Century and has an emphasis on mystic teachings.
Founding Theosophy
Blavatsky claimed that “ascended masters” which are spirits of highly evolved human beings, as well as her travels, gave her the information she used to write in her book.
Theosophists view of Reality
Theosophists view that reality is basically spiritual in nature and that the spiritual nature of reality can be experienced by meditation and trance states.
Theosophists are interested in exploring powers that are hidden in the nonhuman world and human beings.
J. Krishanamutri
At first, Krishnamurti accepted his role of “world teacher” that Blavatsky had prophesized, and was trained to take over as leader of the Theosophical society but he eventually abandoned that role and began to teach that each person must be his or her own guru.
Offshoots of Theosophy
Anthroposophy- Anthroposophy is an influential branch of Theosophy. Steiner began his first Waldorf School, where its curriculum taught traditional academics, agriculture, art, and interpretive dance (Eurhythmy). Waldorf schools promote Anthroposophy’s focus on practical means to achieve human spirituality.
Church Universal and Triumphant was started by Elizabeth Clare Prophet, and is a contemporary branch of Theosophy, which believes the Church gets help from the ascended masters. This Church blends Catholic Christianity with Asian beliefs. For example it encourages the use of the bible, the rosary and devotion to the saints, but also teaches reincarnation and includes the Buddha, Jesus, and his mother Mary among its ascended masters.
Influence of Theosophy
Blavatsky’s books have influenced other movements, such as New Thought, the Unity Church, and Christian Science. Blavatsky has also led to investigations by others into automatic writing (writing done in trance states), hypnotism, and the paranormal. Blavatsky and Theosophy also began most modern Western interest in Hinduism and the entire New Age movement.
Pop Quiz
2/ Madame Blavatsky is one of the cofounders of
Theosophy
Christian Science
Reflexology
Scientology
The Church of Scientology
Roots in Indian spirituality
Founded in 1954 by L. Ron Hubbard
Hubbard was a science-fiction author
Background
Hubbard created a system to help people clarify their understanding of the human process of knowing
Named this system Scientology
Scientia- Latin for “knowledge”
Logos- Greek for “reason,” “understanding”
Scientologists believe that if we can come to understand the human process of perceiving and reacting to the world then we will be able to see reality more clearly and respond to the world more rationally
Beliefs
The Church of Scientology believe that at the core of the human being there is a soul or spiritual reality called the thetan
Scientologists believe that the thetan is imprisoned in the material world
The material world is called MEST (matter, energy, space, and time)
The thetan longs to be free of the MEST
Parallels with other Religions
Scientologists believe in rebirth and having to overcome things that harmed them in their past lives that continue to affect their current lives
This is similar to Indian teaching about karma and reincarnation
Like Hindu and Buddhism there is the idea that each individual’s goal is a sort of psychological liberation that comes from insight
While moksha, nirvana, and enlightenment are not specific terms used in Scientology their meanings are reflected in Scientologist beliefs
Steps towards Liberation
The Church of Scientology offers stages for people to accomplish
Each subsequent stage brings one closer to understanding and liberation
These steps are shown on an illustrated chart called the Bridge to Total Freedom
At the beginning of the Bridge a person is called a pre-clear. Once a person has reached a state of mental liberation, clear, they are then known as an operating thetan
http://www.whatisscientology.org/html/Part02/Chp06/img/grdchart.gif
Path of Mental Liberation
People can proceed on this path alone but it is recommended that they have the help of a spiritual counselor who is called an auditor
The auditor guides one through exercises called processes which use questions and mental images
These processes help one learn new ways of mental focusing
The auditor helps the pre-clear person find blockages to their growth
These blockages are caused by earlier painful experiences and are called engrams
Sometimes the auditor uses an e-meter to help detect blockages
The e-meter is an electronic machine that reads a person’s galvanic skin response
Auditors charge fees for the processes
Sometimes services for the organization can be substituted for payments
Scientology and Other Religions
The Church of Scientology believes that Scientology can be practiced along with other religions
Still the amount of time followers devote to Scientology makes this difficult
Scientology centers do not look like churches or temples
Scientologists meet on Sundays
A Typical Scientology Service
Readings or videotapes of Hubbard’s writings or speeches
A sermon by a minister
Ministers also conduct naming ceremonies, weddings, and funerals.
A sharing of viewpoints and announcements
The ceremony ends with a closing prayer written by Hubbard
Pop Quiz
1/ In Scientology, a fully liberated person is referred as
A. Clear
B. a pre – clear
C. an operating thetan
D. an engram
Pop Quiz
2. In Scientology, the world in which the sprits of human beings must live is called:
A. MEST
B. Santeria
C. Rede
D. Santero
BACKGROUND
One of the youngest religion in China, was founded by Li Hongzhi
Qigong is a system of exercises based on Chinese Martial arts that are thought to bring about increased health and strength. The movement called Falun Gong.
Definition
Falun Gong means “law-wheel energy”
The falun, or the wheel has begun to turn in one direction, is believed to draw energy from the universe.
When the wheel turns in the opposite direction, it sends that energy out in purified from through the body of practitioner, bringing benefits to practitioner and to others.
Strands of Traditional Chinese Religions
Practice are utilized in Falun Gong
Falun Gong is reminiscent of several strands of Chinese religious practiced that we have studied, such as Buddhist meditation, Daoist physical exercise and Confucian self-cultivation.
The Benefits for followers of
Falun GongFollowers practice five series of physical exercises while standing and sitting.
They gain health and strength
They gain paranormal powers, such as physical invulnerability and the power to see and hear things at a great distance
Falun Gong VS Chinese
GovernmentThe practice of Falun Gong is banned in China.
In the past, some religious in China have destabilized the governments.
Some followers have attempted to bring attention to their religious position through variety of public medias
However, Chinese governments captured them into jail.
Pop Quiz
1/ Falun Gong or “law-wheel energy” (Chinese) is a modern Chinese religion that uses meditation and physical exercises:
A. True
B. False
Pop Quiz
2/ The Breathing and visualization exercises of Qigong that circulate energy through the body are further enhanced in Falun Gong when a master
A. ritually eliminates bad karma of the disciple
B. activates an invisible spiritual wheel in the lower of the disciple
C. projects the image of large eyes inside a triangle into the disciple’s mind
D. trains the disciple to be “mounted” by beings from a higher realm.
Background
What is Cao Dai?
Blends elements of Daoism, Confucianism, Buddhism and Chinese belief in spirits with Christian monotheism
Pope and organizational structure
Cao Dai: title for God
“high palace”
Title of respect
Background
Ngo Van Chieu
Government prefect of a Vietnamese island
1921: God revealed to Chieu
Spiritism (ritualistic calling on spirits)
Image of large eye
1924: went to Saigon
His followers contacted with spirits
Supreme Being
1928: Chieu’s followers announced the new religion
Teachings of Cao Dai
All religions are based on revelations of God however earlier revelations have suffered from human misunderstanding
All great religious founders and teachers have been inspired by God
God’s revelation has occurred in three great phases (alliances)
Teachings of Cao Dai
First Alliance
First period of revelation
Mystic figures
incarnation of Laozi and early Buddha (Dipankara)
brought divine revelation to the world
Second Alliance
thousand-year period of religious ferment that gave birth to Laazo, Confucius ,Siddhartha Gautama , Jesus and Muhammad
Teachings of Cao Dai
Third Alliance
nineteenth century
continued in the revelations to Ngo Van Chieu and his followers
when God’s speaking clearest
Cao Dai’s belief
revelation has not ended
divine realm
contact human beings through revelations
God and heavenly spirits
Factors
Belief in
God the Father (Cao Dai)
a celestial Universal Mother
heavenly spirits
souls of the living and the dead
Buddhist influence
Found in:
Karma
Reincarnation
Nirvana (state of liberation)
Factors
Confucianism influence
Virtues
Self-cultivation
Family responsibility
Social harmony
Attention to duty
Blend of religions
Symbolized by four colors
Yellow: Buddhism
Blue: Daoism
Red: Confucianism
White: pope, legislators, and ordinary laypeople
Practices
Attending services at Cao Dai churches
Pray at individual home altars
Special services
New moon and full moon
Individual path of self-perfection
Meditation and breathing exercises
Structure
Hierarchical structure similar to Catholicism
Led by pope and cardinals
Headquarters called Holy See
Center and large cathedral
Southern Vietnam in Tay Ninh
Five million followers worldwide
Most live in Vietnam or in Vietnamese-immigrant communities
Pop Quiz
1/ What type of images did Ngo Van Chieu see as he practiced Spiritism?
A. Buddhist
B. Eye
C. Jesus
D. None of these above
Background
Arose in Jamaica in the 1930s and strongly influenced by Christianity.
Anticolonial feelings lead to distinctly local culture.
At first was sharply radical, but has softened over the decades.
Focus on the ideals of human unity and on harmony with the environment.
Important Figures
Marcus Garvey (1887-1940)
Born in Jamaica and organized the Universal Negro Improvement Association (UNIA) in 1914.
In the 1920s he preached in Kingston, Jamaica’s capitol.
Longed for the day when African culture would be taught in schools and wrote several plays to illustrate his ideas, including The Coronation of the King and Queen of Africa.
Taught his followers to look to Africa for the crowning of a native king who would be their redeemer.
In 1930, a noble man named Ras Tafari was crowned emperor of Ethiopia.
Important Figures
Ras Tafari (1891-1975
Took a new name when he became ruler of Ethiopia: Emperor Haile Selassie (“Holy Trinity”)
Believed to have descended from the biblical King Solomon and Queen of Sheba.
Some believed Haile Selassie was a new appearance of Jesus and that he was divine.
In 1938 he founded the Ethiopian World Federation and granted it five hundred acres of land in Ethiopia intended for people of African descent who wish to resettle there.
Believed to still be alive in his spiritual body and remains a symbol of liberation. He is prayed to under the name of Ras Tafari, which explains the name of the Rastafarians and makes understandable their focus of him as a center of their religious belief.
Shared Beliefs
Rastafarianism is not a single, organized church but is rather a diffuse movement that continues to produce new branches. These include:
Congress, and Twelve Tribes of Israel.
Several beliefs and practices that are shared by most Rastafarians:
There is one God, referred to by the biblical name Jah (the name is related to Yahweh and Jehovah).
Haile Selassie, called King of Kings and Lion of Judah, was (and is) divine.
The Bible is not only the word of God but that it also has hidden meanings that are important for people of African descent.
People of African descent must seek liberation from any society that oppresses them
Other Practices
Sacramental use of ganja (marijuana) called the “holy herb”
Allowing one’s hair to grow into long coils, called dreadlocks.
Avoid pork and shellfish and foods containing preservative, additives, pesticides and herbicides.
Many Rastafarians are vegetarian.
Symbolic Colors
Rastafarians have adopted the symbolic use of four colors:
Black: to represent people of African origin
Green: to represent the hills of Jamaica and hope for the future
Red: to represent the blood that was shed by the martyrs for the cause
Gold: to represent Ethiopia, a focus of African pride
Mainstream Culture
Drumming for religious purposes
Development of reggae music and songs after 1960 that spread Rasta ideas and vocabulary.
Jimmy Cliff, Bob Marley, and Ziggy Marley are the best-known reggae musicians.
Rastafarianism and its influence have spread throughout the Caribbean and to England, Canada, and the United States.
Pop Quiz
1/ ______ is the most important early figure of Rastafarianism.
A. W. E. B. Dubois
B. Martin Luther King Jr.
C. Marcus Garvey
D. Zaydis
Pop Quiz
2/ The biggest influence of Rastafarianism on mainstream culture has been
A. Regae music
B. Cao Dai and Santeria
C. Rastafarianism and Falun Gong
D. Rastafarianism and Scientology
Features of Shiite Islam that are
significant to the emergence of
Baha’i: The origins of the Baha’I faith can be traced to the Shiite Isalm of Persia, or Iran.
Shiite Islam see divine authority as residing in the line Imams the hereditary successors of Ali, the son in law of the prophet Muhammad.
Many Shiite Muslims believe that last Imam did not die and instead lives in another realm and he will return someday.
This expectation of the Imam returning was the context of the 19 th century religious movements in Persia.
This movement grew around a man named Siyyid Ali Muhammad (1819-1850) who claimed he was long awaited last Imam.
Features of Shiite Islam that are
significant to the emergence of
Baha’i: He took a religious name “Bab” he preached that a figure after him of greater stature would come bring a full revelation of Allah- which would bring a golden age of unity and peace.
The Bab was executed in 1850 because of his conflict with orthodox muslims.
One of the Bab’s followers was Mirza Husayn Ali (1817-1892) later become known Baha’u’llah continued the Bab’s teaching and later claimed he was the figure the Bab had prothesised about.
He also wrote greatly about ethical issues, the Baha’i faith, and the world community.
Baha’is understanding of other
religions:The Baha’i faith is among the most universalistic and open of the religions.
Baha’i teaches that all religions in some fundamental, are one, and followers look forward to the day when divisions between religions will disappear.
Readings of Baha’u’llah are considered scriptural, followers also read scriptures of other world religions in their services.
Baha’i strives to create harmony between the religions, they also try to overcome the differences between other religions and science.
Baha’i teachings about the
after-life: It is reminiscent of other monotheistic religions but deliberately left undefined.
Each individual has an immortal soul that after their death can go on developing in realms beyond earth.
Rewards and Punishment in the afterlife exist- but are explained in terms of closeness or distance from God.
Ways Baha’i would improve the
human experience in the world:
Rather than focusing on an after-life Baha’I followers try to improve this world.
They seek complete equality between men and women, an end to poverty, and education for all.
They want to end prejudice, by encouraging interracial marriage.
Why Baha’I advocates for an
auxiliary world language and a single
world government:
International language to augment and not replace regional languages for use as an international communication tool.
Followers support the United Nations and other international groups that they believe foster world harmony.
The ultimate is goal is the creation of a world government that followers believe will be able to end world.
Followers of Baha’i do not become politicians but they support groups and work in other ways to achieve these goals.
Practices or Behaviors of the Baha’i
religion:The Baha’i faith has unique calendar system created by the Bab himself. Its made up of 19 months each nineteen days long with four extra days added at the last month.
The last month of the year is a period of fasting similar of Ramadan in Islam where no food or drink can be consumed during the day time.
Followers are not allowed to drink alchohol and are discouraged from smoking tobacco.
Baha’I has no priesthood rather it is governed by assemblies that operate on the local, national and international level.
Each continent has one large temple like house of prayer. The international headquarters and governing body, the universal house of justice are in Haifa Israel.
Pop Quiz
1/ Baha’I is a religion that blends elements from French Catholism and African religions.
A. True
B. False
Pop Quiz
2/ In practicing their religion, both Baha’I and Muslims
A. engage in periods of fasting and undertake pilgrimages
B. Observe a lunar calendar and abstain from drinking alcohol
C. abstain from alcohol and engage in periods of fasting.
D. Meet in nine-sided mosques or temples.
Throughout the Chapter 11
What traits make these movements attractive to people?
What do they say about where religion is moving in the twenty first century?
Four elements of many new religious
movements are attractive to people
They are small and their members usually meet in small groups
Women are able to express their point of views through these new religious movements
The important of an active devotional life
Self-development
What do they say about where religion is moving
in the twenty first century?
The new religious movements fulfill human needs that may be unmet in the older mainstream religions.
They also tells us about larger trends in the future of world religions.
What do they say about where religion is moving
in the twenty first century?
Mr. Sanchez’s opinion: “ Hey guys, you know what! This chapter is Rock & Roll, because it will be a bridge to our discussion in the FINAL CHAPTER, of modern religious search”
References
Videos : www.youtube.com
Images: www.google.com
Content:
Molloy, Michael – Experiencing The World’s Religions, Tradition, Challenge, and Change – Chapter 11 (pg. 488-524).
Published by Mc. Graw Hill, 2010. (www.mhhe.com/molloy5e)