THEOLOGY 101 CHAPTER

11: ALTERATIVE PATHS

UNIVERSITY OF PORTLAND

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

PAGE 490-492ORIGINS OF NEW RELIGIONS

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

Page 491

“Cults” , “Sects”, and New

Religious Movement

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:

Wicca and Druidism

Page 492 - 497

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

Page 521

Extracted from Google Images

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

Page 497-501

Religions of the Yoruba

Tradition: Santería, Voodoo

and Candomblé

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.

Location of the Yoruba People

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

Oshún

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

Shangó (Changó)

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

Candomblé

Influenced by Portuguese Catholicism

Developed in Brazil

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

1/ In Santeria, any deity is called a (n) _________

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

THEOSOPHY

PAGE 501 - 503

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.

Quiz

1/ Theosophists view that reality is basically _______ in nature.

Pop Quiz

2/ Madame Blavatsky is one of the cofounders of

Theosophy

Christian Science

Reflexology

Scientology

Page 504-505Scientology

The Church of Scientology

Roots in Indian spirituality

Founded in 1954 by L. Ron Hubbard

Hubbard was a science-fiction author

L. Ron Hubbard

b. 1911

d. 1986

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

Celebrity Scientologists

John Travolta & Kelly Preston

Kristie Alley

Tom Cruise & Katie Holmes

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

FALUN GONG

PAGE 505 - 506

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.

Cao DaiPage 507 - 508

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

Pop Quiz

2/ A primary teaching of Cao Dai is that all religions are based on ___________

Rastafarianism

Page 509

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

Page 514 - 516Baha’i

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.

Page 517

New Religious

Movements: A Special

Role

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)