Religion 212 - Discussion Ten - Week 10

The Present and the Future of Religion
Among the religions we discussed this week, identify one religion that you find the most interesting. Explain your response.

Rastafari

This is the religion I found interesting because I listen to reggae music but did not realize that it is an outporing of this religion and has an affiliation with it. Further that the wearing of “dreadlocks” have a symbolic meaning of natural nonindustrial life.

Also, that marijuana (ganja) is not used as a drug high but is used as religious sacrament. That reggae evolved as an expression of Black pride, social protests and Rastafarian millenarian ideas with Bob Marley as its music prophet. I have been listening all these years and I never knew. But now I appreciate the knowledge.

Explain at least three ways that social trends affect the formation of new religions and dictate new religious movements.

Three ways that social trends affect the formation of new religions and dictate new religious movements are:

Examples

1. Religion of Nature
2. Goddess Spirituality
3. Deep Ecology

Based upon research and study the predisposition of a new religion to become widespread and long lasting is dependant upon a balance between similarities to existing belief with inclusions of differences that compel conversion. Secondly, organization, personal commitment and bonding between numbers that will survive the death of the prophet and the original followers. Thirdly, the social setting allows great social change, places that allow freedom of choice and societies with fragmented relationships prove conductive to adding new members.

Thank you.

Felicia

Response to Professor

Another New Religious Movement that I found interesting is the Santeria religion. I have been watching movies for years that have indications that this is the same religious movement and it has always been a little frightening because they were trying to raise the dead who became mindless controlled zombies.

Also, that they could put a curse on you if they had some of your hair, nail clippings and clothing. I am a little too timid to go to any of these ceremonies. But it is a fascinating read.

Thank you.

Felicia

Response to Co-student

I really enjoy the music but not the smoke. I am a little too conservative ... but I say go ahead ... it’s their life. (smiling and cheering for them)

Thank you.

Felicia

Response to Professor

I think it's awesome and true (Stand Up For Your Rights by Bob Marley) that you have to protest a wrong done to you. All we can do is be ourselves and keep our eye on God as our Lord. For it is heaven that is on earth as well as the afterlife. I love and treasure every day I can rally for a young person's right for a quality education and I won't stop. They are our future and treasure on earth. I am doing my part on my website feliciaswritingjournal.blogspot.com and will push and push until someone listens and cares like me and my mother who recently passed away and my father.

I am this country and so is Bob Marley. Let us pray and ask all over the planet to care for the children and teach them the right way.

Thank you.

Felicia

Response to Co-student

I thought the Unification Movement was so interesting and that Rev. Moon was unique and I believe him for who else could have inspired him in this way. I truly believe that he is and was a Messiah for all speak of God's word with truth and love.

The concept of the Second Adam intrigues me greatly for God did not kill, slay or reject Adam he just forbade Adam and Eve's stay in Paradise. His love for them never died.

Thank you.

Felicia

Response to Co-student

I recall my mom's interest in Scientology and although young I was curious. Since being in this class I was able to learn more about it and still find it interesting because it facilitates the way to upper levels of mental freedom and mind control for out of body experiences.

Thank you.

Felicia