Midterm Flashcards
1
Q
Church
A
- most organized and hierarchical category
- people are born into churches and are baptized as infants
- membership is inclusive and heterogeneous
> inclusive refers to the idea that if people are members from birth then churches will seek to include as many people as possible
> heterogeneous refers to the fact that there are many different types of people, especially in terms of commitment, who technically belong to a church - traditionally nationalized; means there was a cooperation between the church and particular nations
2
Q
Church Leadership
A
- formalized
- to become a priest or pastor you need to be formally trained, usually with a masters degree and then a masters specializing in ministry
- there is likely a rigorous process discernment process of ones calling to be a leader - approved by a hierarchy
3
Q
Sect
A
- people voluntarily choose to join them
- there is often an emotional experience that has great meaning for the person joining
- membership is exclusive and homogeneous
> exclusive refers to a sharper distinction between who is in and who is out, and these believers tend to be similar in terms of commitment and practice - more expectation to attend religious services on a regular basis participate in individual religious practices
- beliefs may be stricter or more radical to those on the outside of the group
4
Q
Sect Leadership
A
- their leadership is charismatic
- one does not need approval of a formal church body or hierarchy to become a leader
- one may simply feel divinely called and gather other believers who are interested in your approach
- sometimes sects can be called denominations
- examples of sects = Baptist or Mennonite churches
5
Q
Cults (NRMs)
A
- newer than churches and sects
- loosely organized around a charismatic leader
- leader claims to have some sort of new revelation or esoteric (secret) knowledge
- organizational structure will also tend to change quite a bit over the evolution of the group
- initiation is more demanding
6
Q
Similarity between Churches, Sect and Cults
A
All associated with Christianity
7
Q
Anti-Cult Movements vs. NRMs
A
- anti-cult movement (ACM) grew from concerned family members of those who joined a cult
- ACM groups were eventually joined by ex-cult members, counselors , and experts
- ACM members expose the abuses of cults and help members get out
> one way this occurred was through deprogramming, which sometimes meant kidnapping an individual from the group and confining them somewhere to be deprogram; now referred to as “exit counselling” and is not longer widely used - ACM also lobby governments to create anti-cult laws and have taken legal actions against religious groups
8
Q
Can ACM groups help us to understand NRMs?
A
Both yes and no…
- yes, they may have an inside track with ex-members who have knowledge of the movement, but this knowledge will be negatively skewed and won’t give us a broad understanding of the group itself
> this is the problem with the method of the ACM as a whole
9
Q
What purpose do ACM groups serve?
A
Help to identify cults and warn individuals about them
10
Q
Transcendental Meditation (TM)
A
- advocates of Transcendental Meditation (TM) claim that practicing this form of meditation has individual, social, and political benefits
- TM improves individual intelligence, creativity, health, and academic performance
- if enough people practiced it there would be significant positive effects in any society
> it is claimed that these effects can be measured scientifically
11
Q
Maharishi Mahesh Yogi
A
- Maharishi Mahesh Yogi is the guru (teacher) who invented TM
- Maharishi is part of a tradition of Hinduism called Advaita Vedanta
- his family was from a warrior or ruler caste
- met Guru Dev in 1940
- Guru Dev was a teacher of Advaitic Hinduism ( form of Hinduism that is described as non-dualistic; the soul (atman) of individuals is identical with the divine Brahman (the term for ultimate reality or God)
- the universe, including humans, is a manifestation of this eternal ultimate reality; humans and the divine, in other words, are ultimately one and the goal of religious life is to realize this unity
- Maharishi wanted to become a full time disciple, but Guru Dev suggested that he complete his university studies and to get permission from his parents
- he proved to be an apt disciple as he mastered the Vedas (ancient Hindu scriptures), prayers, and meditation techniques
- became like a secretary and right hand man for Guru Dev. But at the end of his life, Guru Dev did not name him as his successor, perhaps because he was from the warrior caste and not the priestly caste
- advocated a form of meditation that was aimed at those in mainstream society, who lived in the stage of life known as ‘householder’ in Hinduism, and not full-time monastics - termed his technique Transcendental Deep Meditation, later shortened to Transcendental Meditation
12
Q
Origins of TM
A
- Transcendental Meditation arises from modern Hinduism in India
- there are nearly 30 meditation centers, you can find a centre in every province except Saskatchewan in Canada
13
Q
What was the original goal of TM according to Maharishi Mahesh Yogi?
A
“provide a simple and easy method of meditation and infuse this system of meditation in the daily life of everybody everywhere on earth. … this Movement [will construct] . . . meditation centers everywhere in every part of human habitation”
14
Q
Beliefs and practices of TM
A
- a basic meditation practice that is designed for non-monastics, for anyone that is not a full-time spiritual practitioner is at the centre of TM
- all that is required is two short sessions a day, one in the morning and one in the evening, for adults about 20 minutes
- during meditation you repeat in your mind an individualized mantra given by a certified TM teacher (TM can only be learned from a certified teacher)
- TM can be used by anyone no matter their stage in life or place in society
- TM has a theory of the mind
- according to Maharishi the mind is made up of two basic layers:
1. conscious mental activity
2. creative thought
15
Q
Layers of the brain according to TM
A
- the first layer of conscious mental activity is concerned with everyday activity and can be easily unfocussed, cluttered, and chaotic
- below this is the deeper level of creative thought which is generally untouched; practicing TM allows the conscious mind to settle so that the creative mind can emerge
> it also seems that the creative mind is connected to pure creative intelligence which is considered more of a universal creativity shared by not only humans but the universe in general
> accessing this part of the mind, moreover, relaxes the mind, brain, and body giving individuals more clarity, authenticity, and an ability to have better relationships
16
Q
Goals of Hinduism
A
- goal of spiritual practices is to realize the union of the ‘self’ (atman) with the ‘absolute’ (Brahman)
- Brahman is the all-pervading, impersonal Spirit that is the origin of and maintains the universe
- Advaitic Hinduism the atman is identical to the Brahman and meditation aids one in realizing this identity
- it seems that the move from conscious mind to creative mind to pure creative intelligence is a version of the unity of the soul (atman) with the divine (Brahman)
17
Q
What are the 2 major courses of TM
A
- Basic TM Course
- TM-Sidhi (perfection)
18
Q
Basic TM Course
A
- the one most people have taken
- it initiates people into TM and one learns from a qualified instructor how to meditate twice a day on your specific mantra
- the first part of the course is free, this includes an intro lecture, a follow up seminar, and a personal interview
- if you decide to go forward you then participate in an initiation ceremony with a puja (where deities are invoked and the lineage of Maharishi and Guru Dev are venerated)
- initiates bring a white handkerchief, flowers, and fruit
- important for the individual is that you also receive your mantra from your teacher; the meaning of the mantra is not important but the sound is
19
Q
TM-Sidhi
A
- this included not only more concentrated meditation but the controversial practice of yogic flying, which is meant to develop a field of energy between the individual and the ground which may eventually lead to levitation
- besides health benefits practitioners may also experience supernormal or paranormal powers such as the ability to control hunger and thirst, extra strength, knowledge of past lives, out of body experiences, and clairvoyance. More than this, however, it is claimed that if enough people practice TM-Sidhi then this will have effects beyond those of the practitioners
- it will create a Global Maharishi Effect that includes a “coherence in world consciousness” that will lead to final peace and happiness on earth
20
Q
The Growth and Structure of TM
A
- TM is best described as a social movement
- rather than developing into a church-like structure with aggressive advertising, as in the case of Scientology, TM gained popularity from the ground up
- the basic unit of TM is the local TM centres where TM teachers train people who are interested in the meditation practice
- the mission behind all the structures of TM were set out by Maharishi in 1972’s World Plan
> the plan outlined how TM would not only fulfill the goals of individual and family life but it was to influence education, society, governments, and economics
> the final vision included world peace
21
Q
Claude Vorilhon
A
- a French race car driver who claimed that he was contacted by extraterrestrials (ET) called the Elohim who want to save humanity with their superior technology
- a contactee with a unique claim that he was taken aboard a spacecraft and actually visited other planets
- he was taking a hike in old volcanos near Clermont-Ferrand when he claims a light descended from the sky and a small man emerged from a spacecraft and began conversing with him (the name of the individual was Yahweh and he was a representative from the race of Elohim)
22
Q
Raëlism
A
- UFO religion
- UFO = unidentified flying object
- people who claimed to have been contacted by extraterrestrial life are called a “contactee”
> usually, such a person claims that they receive contact through extra-sensory perception (ESP) by going into a meditative state and receive messages, which they can recite to others or write down. - not only accepts modern cosmology and evolution but also suggests that intelligent and superior life exists in the universe and has been in contact with humanity
- claims to have coned the first human
23
Q
Origins of Raëlism
A
- after a long discussion the ET asked Vorilhon to return the next day when he began unfolding the secrets of life on earth and the role of ETs
- e also gave Vorilhon his new name, Raël, who was chosen as a contact and messenger for the Elohim’s interaction with humanity
- Raël recounted this event and the contents of this message in “The Book Which Tells the Truth”
- he was visited again a second time and given more details but this time was taken aboard their spacecraft and visited their home planet, which is recounted in “Extraterrestrials Took Me to Their Planet”
- he claims in this visit that he met leaders or prophets of the great world religions, such as Buddha, Moses, and Jesus
- it turns out these individuals were actually planted by the Elohim as missionaries to the human race but the true content of their message lost
24
Q
Beliefs of Raëlism
A
- instead of humans evolving by natural selection (as in the neo-Darwinian synthesis) they argue that humans were planted on earth by the Elohim using genetic engineering technology
- the Elohim are deeply concerned about humans, since we are their experiment, and they only want the best for us and they will not impose their will, their plan must be welcomed by us
- when the Elohim return the great leaders of the world religions will return with them; in order to welcome the Elohim and help them set up a just world government Rael has been asked to construct an embassy; the embassy would be a sign that humanity is ready to receive them
- when the Elohim arrive they will help establish a new world order where love and respect for all humans will exist
- in terms of sexual ethics, Raëlism encourage sexual pleasure; traditional religions, they argue, have been sexually repressive and humanity must move beyond this
- Raëlism believes that everything is permissible as long as it does not harm anyone and impede scientific and technological advancement
- they have no problem with extramarital sex, nudity, contraception, and abortion; they support the advancement of women’s rights and sexual diversity
- there is a type of computer which records these deeds and an Elohim council decides if you will be restored
- according to Rael, Jesus’s resurrection in the New Testament was not a miracle but the work of the Elohim; so if your DNA is recorded in the initiation ceremony you have a chance to become immortal by way of genetic technology that now only the Elohim have
25
Q
What is sensual meditation?
A
- sometimes aligned with TM
- based on the idea that there is a type of universal or infinite energy that connects the universe
- using music, relaxed posture, and breathing techniques, participants are encourage to not only see themselves as a part of the universe but to imagine being with the Elohim or telepathically communicating with them
> making this connection is described as a ‘cosmic orgasm’ - this practice is to be done daily but can also be done when groups of Raëlians meet on a regular basis
26
Q
When did the Raëlian calendar start?
A
6 Aug 1945, the date of the bombing of Hiroshima
- every year after this is AH (after Hiroshima)
- besides Aug. 6 there are 4 other holy days a year
27
Q
Initiation into Raelian Church
A
- to become initiated into the Raëlian Church there is a ‘transmission of cellular plan’ that can occur on one of these days; a priest will lay their hands on the initiates forehead and telepathically receive their DNA which is then telepathically sent the Elohim
- this transmission DNA is related to the Raëlian view of ‘conditional immortality’
- the Elohim are able to store the DNA of all individuals and if they have enough good deeds in the present life, then the Elohim will recreate these individuals using the DNA
28
Q
Organizational Structure of Raëlism
A
- official name is the International Raëlian Movement (IRM), with The Raëlian Church as its partner organization
- membership can be attained by simply paying a yearly fee which is easily done online
- members are also encouraged to donate money and tithe (give a small portion of their income)
- the majority of members are simply called ‘Raëlians’ while those that desire to volunteer more time can become leaders and be apart of ‘The Structure’
- made up of six levels, but actually beings with a level ‘0’ or trainee
- these levels then move up from Assistant Organizer, Organizer, Assistant Priest, Priest, Bishop and finally Guide of Guides (Raël himself)
- the Structure itself has over 2000 members, while the vast majority of members are simply Raëlians
- Raëlians meet yearly for week-long summer seminars know as ‘Stages of Awakening
- Raëlians are also very involved in activism; they are pro-GMO but are anti-war and anti-Catholic
- more recently they have protested for the rights of women to be topless in public and have protested the practice of female genital mutilation in various cultures
29
Q
“Stages of Awakening”
A
- Rael teaches and lectures, there is guided meditation, fasting, feasting, testimonials, and other information session at this seminar
- an optimal time to build relationships with other Raëlians
- since Raëlism is a free love movement individuals wear bracelets to indicate whether they want to be alone, in a couple, or just to meet people
30
Q
What is the Clonaid?
A
- a company run by a Raëlian member and Priest, now registered in the Bahamas, which claims to be able to clone human beings from DNA
- in 2003 it claimed to have cloned ‘Baby Eve’, the first human being ever
31
Q
What is Neo-Paganism?
A
- Latin word “pagus” refers to the countryside; was used by Christians to refer to folk or traditional religions that remained outside the largely urban Christian movement
- pagan was originally derogatory but today practitioners have embraced the term in their efforts to retrieve lost religious traditions
- Neo-Paganism refers to not only Wicca but Druidry and Heathenry as well
32
Q
Druidry
A
- modern spiritual or religious movement
- focuses on the powers within nature and being in harmony with it
- are also typically involved with environmental concerns and critical of consumer culture
- druidry is focused in the British Isles
- priests of Celtic culture were called druids
- modern Druids are attempting to revive ancient practices of the Celtic or pre-Roman Britain
- modern druids are less associated with other religions and are a separate NRM
33
Q
Heathenry
A
- like druids, attempts to revive a lost culture; but stems from Scandinavian countries and Germany rather than Britain
- it is polytheistic, believing in many gods, and often adheres to animism (the idea that various forces in nature have spirits)
- focus on rituals that induce altered states of consciousness or trances that practitioners believe put them into contact with unseen forces and powers
- some streams of Heathenry are associated with masculinity and can take on nationalist and racist forms
