I took a lot of notes while reading the book, “God is not one” by Stephen Prothero. At the time, I was going to write an entry based on these notes but I’m going to post them below and you can discern what you want from them. As you’ll see, they lean heavily on the 7 Ninian Smart dimensions of religion. I have some personal thoughts on the bottom about it all.
Islam:
Ritual: Practices like five daily prayers, fasting during Ramadan, Hajj pilgrimage.
Narrative/Mythic: Quran stories, Hadiths, Prophets’ lives.
Experiential/Emotional: Spiritual experiences in prayer, Ramadan, and community gatherings.
Social/Institutional: Ummah (global Muslim community), mosques, Islamic law (Sharia).
Ethical/Legal: Sharia law, Halal practices, ethical teachings.
Doctrinal/Philosophical: Tawhid (oneness of God), Prophethood, Afterlife.
Material: Mosques, Quran, Islamic art and architecture.
Adhan is kinda cool. Its the prayer at certain times (salat). They prostrate (total submission prayer) themselves. Much more formal in prayer. View problem of humans that they act like they don’t need God. More about doing righteous and submitting than right doctrine.
For them, major pillars include reaffirming only Allah as God (not Jesus, the Trinity or human form), Muhammad as the messenger, need for prayer, charity, fasting and pilgrimage (to Mecca).
Quran written 20-40 years after Muhammad died via oral memorization.
Warn about pride.
Some verses about killing nonbelievers.
Lots about loving the poor.
Heavy blend of loving and wrathful God.
Numinous.
Sunni and shites: Sunnis see religious authority as from broader community. Shia see it from imams. Imams seen as flawless
Islamism is political resistance to the West. Can be extremist
Progressive Muslims see Islam fighting for gender and income equality. Aldo Muslim and non-muslim parity
Believe its OK to have different beliefs.
Sufism, heart and soul connection, not about laws, its about experience. Sober Sufism is about appreciating Gods awe and wrath, drunk Sufism more about love and ecstasy. “Worship the God not the religion”.
Christianity:
Ritual: Sacraments (like baptism, Eucharist), church services, prayer.
Narrative/Mythic: Bible stories, life of Jesus, parables.
Experiential/Emotional: Personal salvation experience, feeling of divine presence.
Social/Institutional: Church community, denominations, clergy system.
Ethical/Legal: Moral teachings of Jesus, Ten Commandments.
Doctrinal/Philosophical: Belief in Trinity, Jesus’ divinity and resurrection, salvation.
Material: Churches, crosses, religious icons and art.
An analogy used for the Trinity is the sun. Sun is a physical mass that creates light and heat. Different roles, one essence.
Very elastic, from Pentecostal to Mormon to Catholics and Orthodox. Very multicultural.
More about orthodoxy over orthopraxy. Right thought over right practice.
Jesus different based on who u ask. Savior, miracle worker, teacher.
Only saved by grace of Jesus.
Far less denominational in practice.
Different views between the role of faith and works
Fundamentalists have strict interpretation, evangelical less so, both try to convert all
Pentecostal: from God out there, to God in here. From transcendce to immanence. Experience over doctrine. Trending and more browner.
Minority preach prosperity gospel.
More active supernatural forces and growth of eastern Christianity due to population growth.
Problem of sin, try to get closer to the mark, salvation is a gift that can’t be earned.
Confucianism
Ritual: Religious or ceremonial acts that are central to religious practice. In Confucianism, this could include ancestor worship, ceremonies, and other Confucian rites.
Narrative and Mythic: Stories that convey the fundamental truths of the religion. While Confucianism may not have myths in a traditional sense, the teachings and stories about Confucius and his disciples serve a similar purpose.
Experiential and Emotional: Religious experiences and emotions related to the divine or ultimate reality. In Confucianism, this can be seen in the pursuit of personal virtue and the experience of living in harmony with the Dao (the Way).
Social and Institutional: The communal, social, and organizational aspects of religion. Confucianism emphasizes social harmony, hierarchy, and the proper conduct of relationships (such as ruler-subject, father-son, etc.).
Ethical and Legal: Rules about human behavior and conduct. Confucianism is rich in ethical teachings, emphasizing virtues such as filial piety, humaneness, righteousness, and propriety.
Doctrinal and Philosophical: The systematic formulation of religious beliefs. In Confucianism, this includes the teachings on the nature of humanity, society, and the universe, as found in Confucian texts like the Analects.
Material: Physical elements or artifacts of a religion. In the context of Confucianism, this could include temples, texts, and other objects used in ritual practice.
Reverence for antiquity, respect for education, elder deference, filal piety. Love family, self before enemies.
More concerned about here and now, not deities or the afterlife. Social harmony over self concerns.
No separation of man and God, sacred and sinful but a blend.
Yin and Yang concepts.
Chinese blend Confucianism daoism and Buddhism. Confucianism at work, Taoist at leisure and Buddhist when being introspective?
Self transformation as a communal act. Change self than others.
Educational focus more on being more human than learning a trade.
Hierarchy seen as needed for social harmony. Disharmony when others don’t keep role.
Rituals seen as proper behavior towards others and taming the self centerness and pride babies enter the world with. Social order is the result.
Mencius and xunzi
Humans basically good vs inherently evil. Mencius believed in tending and growing human heartedness. Xunzi metal shaped to be useful like a sword.
Neo-Confucianism more spiritual
Knowledge as the beginning of action, action the completion of knowledge.
New Confucianism , stated in modern universal terms.
Critics see it as injustice, oppression and conformity acting like morality.
Defer to authority but only if they are just and serving their subjects. Against force from on high.
Seeds of improvement in all of us but needs cultivation via education.
Hinduism:
Ritual: Religious Practices and Forms of Worship Hinduism is characterized by a diversity of rituals, including daily worship (puja), rites of passage (samskaras), and festivals like Diwali and Holi. Rituals often involve offerings to deities, chanting of mantras, and meditation.
Narrative and Mythic: Stories Expressing Beliefs and History. The vast mythology of Hinduism is captured in texts like the Mahabharata, Ramayana, and Bhagavad Gita. These epics narrate the deeds of gods like Vishnu, Shiva, and goddesses like Durga, and convey moral and spiritual lessons.
Experiential and Emotional: Personal Experiences and Emotions Spiritual experiences in Hinduism often emphasize a personal connection with the divine, which can be felt through yoga, meditation, and devotion (bhakti). These practices aim to foster inner peace and enlightenment (moksha).
Social and Institutional: Organizational Structure and CommunityHindu society historically organized itself around the varna (class) and jati (caste) systems. Today, Hinduism is practiced within a variety of social contexts, including temples, family settings, and through gurus or spiritual teachers.
Ethical and Legal: Rules and Laws Governing ConductHindu ethics are deeply intertwined with concepts like karma (the law of cause and effect) and dharma (duty, righteousness). Moral principles guide behavior and decisions, impacting one’s spiritual progression.
Doctrinal and Philosophical: Theological and Philosophical AspectsHindu philosophy encompasses a range of viewpoints on metaphysics, cosmology, and the nature of reality, represented in the six orthodox schools including Vedanta and Yoga. Central to these is the belief in a universal soul (Brahman) and the individual soul (Atman).
Material: Physical Expressions of the Religion. Hinduism expresses itself materially through majestic temples, vibrant festivals, intricate statues of deities, and sacred symbols like the Om. Art and architecture play a significant role in embodying and conveying religious principles.
Ganesha, the elephant-headed god (due to head transplant) of good fortune, thresholds and removes obstacles. Many pray to him before doing things
Ganesha (Parvatis son) usually holds ax to destroy obstacles, rope to rescue and cake representing bliss of spiritual liberation.
Shiva as the destroyer. Brahma as the creator and Vishnu as the sustainer.
No founder or single leader, no shared creed or excommunicatiom.
Some say many manifestations, one supreme god. Others say many equal gods. Some say no God. Same with the murtis (icons). Some say divine reside in the images, some see it symbolically.
Many view it as a way of life vs religion, you are born into it. More about what Hindus do and think vs hard doctrine. No one specific version of Hindi due to lack of authority.
Problem with humans viewed as samsara (wandering). Endless cycles of birth and death. Aka reincarnation.
Happiness here viewed as transitory and impermanent. Goal is moksha (spiritual liberation). More an escape.
Aims are Kama (sensual pleasure), artha (wealth) and dharma (duty). Ultimate goal is moksha. Seen as either a paradise, merging with God. Some see an over-soul, transcendence of individual identity, where personal consciousness is part of a greater, universal consciousness. However, individuality is not entirely lost; it’s more about realizing the connection to a larger whole.
Some say karma yoga, which more about priestly sacrifice and some say jnana yoga/(few million), which is about philosophical knowledge, asceticism. They view God as consciousness, absentish. Most popular is bkhakti yoga (near billion),which is heartfelt devotion and love embrace the emotions. Gods are varied. Not earned but by grace and mercy. Love>wisdom. personal, emotional even erotic>impersonal and ineffable.
Vedas as technical manuals for priests, Upanishads as philosophical. Brahmanas and aranyas as mix.
Social Disorder seen as the duty of religion, not political via ritual.
Caste system from Vedas, initially just roles not hard social order
Rituals as transmissions between earth and heaven.
The gods are not flawless.
rebirth (samsara). Liberation or enlightenment (Moksha).
We are apart of God, sacred inside us, essence of humanity is the same as essence of God.
Vishnu: many avatars. goes as Krishna and plays as a trickster. Radha is devoted gf, they also symbolize human desire for he divine. universe as a game of the gods.
Shiva as wrathful and loving, male and female, ascetic and wild lover.
shakti is the feminine energy animating divinities,
Mahadevi in Hinduism represents the supreme divine feminine power, encompassing all goddesses and their various attributes. She is revered as the ultimate source of strength, creativity, and cosmic energy
puja is food sacrifice
unlike Protestants that go to read and listen, its about seeing (thier gods) and being seen. darsan as a way to have intimate encounter with gods.
Mahabharata and Ramayana are most popular books. very long, are acted out. about duty but drsms plays big role. Bhagavad gita (sacred song), like a new testament. known for being about duty, justice, truth, order.
Ramayana highly influential. revered by Muslims, Jain’s and Buddhist too. About Rama and sita, moral integrity and duty over personal gain,unwavering devotion and loyalty
divines humans and humanizes gods.
modern Hinduism pivoted away from polytheism, caste, pushed for unity of religions
push pull also about being multicultural and fundamentalist. currently politically fundamentalist in India.
Buddhism:
Practical and Ritual Dimension: In Buddhism, this includes practices like meditation, chanting of sutras, and participation in rituals. Meditation, a core practice, is used to develop mindfulness, concentration, and insight. Rituals vary among different Buddhist traditions but often include ceremonies like the taking of refuge in the Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha, and observances of days significant in the Buddha’s life.
Narrative and Mythic Dimension: Buddhism is rich in narratives and myths, including the life story of Siddhartha Gautama (the Buddha), his journey to enlightenment, and tales of his previous lives (Jatakas). These stories convey moral and philosophical teachings and are foundational to Buddhist thought and practice.
Experiential and Emotional Dimension: Central to Buddhism is the experiential understanding of the nature of reality, particularly through the realization of the Four Noble Truths and the experience of Nirvana, the ultimate liberation from suffering. Emotional aspects include feelings of compassion and loving-kindness, as cultivated through practices like Metta meditation.
Social and Institutional Dimension: Buddhism has a well-established monastic tradition, with monks and nuns playing a significant role in the community. Lay practitioners also form an integral part of the Buddhist community. Different schools, such as Theravada, Mahayana, and Vajrayana, have their own organizational structures and practices.
Ethical and Legal Dimension: Buddhist ethics are deeply rooted in the Five Precepts, which include refraining from taking life, stealing, sexual misconduct, lying, and intoxication. These ethical guidelines are meant to cultivate moral conduct and mindfulness, leading to a harmonious life.
Doctrinal and Philosophical Dimension: Buddhism’s doctrinal foundation includes the Four Noble Truths, the Noble Eightfold Path, and the concept of dependent origination. These teachings offer a comprehensive understanding of human existence, suffering, and the path to enlightenment. Different Buddhist traditions have their own interpretations and philosophical expansions of these teachings.
Material Dimension: Material expressions of Buddhism include statues of the Buddha, stupas, prayer flags, and mandalas. Temples and monasteries are important physical structures, serving as centers for practice and community gathering. Artistic representations in Buddhism are not merely decorative but serve as aids to meditation and as symbolic representations of deeper truths.
Buddhism sees wandering as opportunity not punishment.
middle path between hedonism and asceticism to solve suffering.
impermanence of life. suffer because we want it a certain way. transient nature.
solve our own problems and learn without God or divine. experience over belief.
life death rebirth known as samarsa. rebirth bad because life is suffering. dukkha, to blow out suffering.
being idle, to observe breath or watch thoughts passively.
metta: love and kindness w.o expectations.
suffering arising from wanting something other than what is. opposite of Hinduism that says hold fast to what is unchanging for happiness.
anatta says no eternal soul, no actual self.
take refuge in awakening, know things as they are, community.
Nobel truths: existence is pain. suffering originates from ignorance, thirst and grasping. flow with what is.
eightfold path:ethical , mental discipline, wisdom.
5 aggregates: matter, sensations, perceptions, thoughts consciousness create illusion of self. same as a chariot not just its parts but the whole.
Theravada as monastic. Mahayana accuses Theravada as selfish
bodhisattva, outside assistance to get to nirvana, don’t go on ur own when others need u.
Mahayana Buddha as God. Beings coming to earth
Mahayana say everything is emptiness. constant change, part of a cause and effect chain. radical interdependency, always changing.. we speak of things as static , independent, permanent.
not transcend humanity, but fully inhabit the interdependence.
Yoruba religion:
Ritual: Yoruba religion includes various rituals and ceremonies, often centered around communication with Orishas (deities). Rituals may involve offerings, music, dance, and divination practices, particularly through the Ifá system.
Narrative and Mythic: The Yoruba religion is rich in myths and stories that explain the universe and the roles of deities. These narratives often revolve around the supreme being Olodumare, the Orishas, and the creation of the world.
Experiential and Emotional: Personal spiritual experiences are central to Yoruba religion. These may include experiences of possession, divine communication, or personal transformation through religious practices.
Social and Institutional: The Yoruba religious system is deeply intertwined with the social structure. It features a community-based approach with priests and priestesses, diviners, and other roles that are integral to the religious and social life of the community.
Ethical and Legal: Yoruba religion encompasses a set of moral and ethical guidelines. The concept of Ìwà (character or behavior) is crucial, emphasizing the importance of righteousness and moral conduct.
Doctrinal and Philosophical: The Yoruba belief system includes a complex cosmology and theology. It is polytheistic, with a belief in a supreme deity, Olodumare, and numerous Orishas, each with specific roles and attributes.
Material: Material expressions in Yoruba religion include sacred objects, shrines, and art forms. These often serve as focal points for worship and are integral to various rituals and ceremonies.
we choose our destiny and personality with Olodumare (God), then forget and must find it again. sidetracked by others.
Orishas, or superhuman beings help is live in harmony with our destiny.
Babalawos as priestly diviners help protect destiny and fulfill it. they mediate ritual between clients and orisha. Choose shells, babalawo remembers verse to recite.
2 spirits, emi as breathand ori as spiritual center or destiny.
problem as disconnection and solution as connection to self and higher powers.
evil spirits, ancestor spirits and orishas, like angels?
orishas as purely divine (at creation), personified natural forces , deified humans. can be both former human and element
gods have personality, preferences. humans have Ashe power and gods can have base emotions. orisha can be good and destructive. Reciprocal relationship
olodumare and Brahman seen.as aloof, respected by not revered.
eshu as like a messenger between heaven and earth. like ganesha , the in between, somewhat good and evil. mischievous.
orunmila as a third of a Trinity, he’s about harmony and stability
Ogun as a god.of.war and tools and justice.
Ashe: ability to make life happen. it makes effects on luck,wealth,love, family.
Syncretism: fusion of different forms of belief, practice, or culture, often observed in religion, philosophy, and mythology. This process involves merging or assimilating different traditions, leading to fundamental changes in both the original and the assimilated traditions. Fundamentalist hate this.
multi-indenties “multicultural”
return to precolonial, reject colonial exploitation, religious superiority, Christianity seen as subjugators using religion as justification.
accomadative over intolerance, xenophobic and suspicious.
not revealed once but continuous. since life is complicated no evangelist, no excommunication or holy war.
interconnectivity of all things, dead very much around.
no problem is entirely secular.
each consultation to a babalawo begins with selection of nuts, recite poems, client selects best fit, then a sacrifice is made.
sacrifice can be animal, charity or renunciation.
orishas can inhabit bodies, dance is a big part of religion.
Judaism:
Ritual: Judaism is rich in rituals. Key rituals include the observance of the Sabbath (Shabbat), celebrated from Friday evening to Saturday evening; the Passover (Pesach) seder; and the rituals associated with other Jewish holidays like Yom Kippur and Rosh Hashanah. Rituals also include daily prayers, such as the Shema and Amidah.
Narrative and Mythic: The Torah, which includes the first five books of the Hebrew Bible, is central to Jewish narrative. It contains the foundational stories of Judaism, including the creation of the world, the history of the patriarchs and matriarchs, the Exodus from Egypt, and the giving of the Torah at Mount Sinai.
Experiential and Emotional: Personal experiences in Judaism are diverse and can include a deep emotional connection during prayer, the spiritual fulfillment of studying Torah, or the profound communal feeling during holidays and life cycle events like Bar or Bat Mitzvahs, weddings, and funerals.
Social and Institutional: Judaism has a well-established communal structure. This includes synagogues (places of worship and study), rabbinical leadership, and numerous community organizations. Jewish communities are often tight-knit and provide a strong sense of belonging and cultural identity.
Ethical and Legal: Jewish law, known as Halakha, governs many aspects of daily life. It includes ethical teachings, dietary laws (kashrut), rules about observing the Sabbath, and guidelines for social and business conduct. The Talmud and later rabbinical writings extensively discuss these laws and ethics.
Doctrinal and Philosophical: Jewish theology includes beliefs in one God, the covenant between God and the Jewish people, and the coming of the Messiah. Jewish philosophy has a long history, exploring questions of ethics, the nature of God, and the meaning of life, with significant contributions from thinkers like Maimonides and Martin Buber.
Material: Material expressions in Judaism include items such as the Torah scrolls, mezuzah (a small case containing a scroll with verses from the Torah, attached to doorframes), tallit (prayer shawl), and tefillin (phylacteries). Synagogues and other Jewish communal buildings, as well as historical sites in Israel, are also significant material aspects. Jewish art and music, deeply rooted in religious tradition, play a role in the material dimension as well.
Underlying concept of exile and return. wrongdoing, punishment and exile. also covenant, breach, new covenant and a path back home.
task is to walk humbly with God
redemption is doing not believing in this world.
law over faith. law and story go together.
both a religion and ethnicity.
not evangelical nor excommunicated.
more about being born jew, go to synagogue, atoning and honoring parents. not to solve human problem but keep them together.
Hillel: Golden rule+ethics
shabbat about communal time together, resting, time focused on God.
Most Jews agree that the focus is on this world, not the one to come.(or not).
reform on ethics, Orthodox on law, conservative on tradition.
kabbalah divides God into different manifestations, humans as partners in creation.
Daoism (Taoism):
Ritual: solution
ncludes various rituals ranging from simple practices like meditation and Tai Chi to complex religious ceremonies conducted by Daoist priests. These rituals often aim to align individuals with the fundamental principles of Dao (the Way), which is the central concept of Daoism.
Narrative and Mythic: Daoism has rich mythological and narrative traditions. Foundational texts like the Tao Te Ching (attributed to Laozi) and the Zhuangzi contain stories and teachings that illustrate Daoist philosophy. These texts, along with various myths, provide insights into the Daoist worldview.
Experiential and Emotional: Experiences in Daoism often revolve around achieving harmony with the Dao. This involves cultivating a deep sense of peace, balance, and spontaneity in life. Practices like meditation, Tai Chi, and Qigong are central to experiencing the Dao and often lead to profound emotional and spiritual insights.
Social and Institutional: While Daoism has historically been less institutionally organized compared to other major religions, it still features a variety of sects and schools. Some Daoists participate in organized religious communities, often led by priests, while others follow Daoist teachings more independently or philosophically.
Ethical and Legal: Daoism emphasizes living in harmony with the Dao, which often translates into a set of ethical guidelines rather than strict rules. Principles such as simplicity, humility, compassion, and moderation guide behavior. The concept of Wu Wei, or “non-action”, is a key ethical teaching, advocating for actions that are in harmony with the natural world.
Doctrinal and Philosophical: Daoist doctrine is centered on concepts such as the Dao, Yin and Yang, and the idea of Wu Wei. The Dao is seen as the ultimate reality and principle underlying everything in the universe. Yin and Yang represent the dualities and interdependence in nature. Philosophical Daoism focuses on living in accordance with these principles.
Material: Material expressions of Daoism include temples, altars, and statues dedicated to various Daoist deities and immortals. Artistic representations, calligraphy of Daoist texts, and the use of symbols like the Yin-Yang and the Ba Gua (Eight Trigrams) are also significant. Additionally, nature itself is often revered in Daoism, with mountains and forests being seen as sacred spaces.
Wandering as sacred, not lead by social conventions is freedom.
much about balance and flow.
no dogma or excommunication.
no immortality or soul. This world only
don’t sacrifice nature to this world conventions. society as a trap.
Spontaneity and genuineness
A “return” to simplicity, to blank slate.
Reversal by subverting expectations.
no good or evil but complimentary components, not in battle.
better to drag tail in mud of life than be a venerated dead shell
Lifelessness as problem, flourishing as solution
Agnostic:
Ritual: Religious Practices and Forms of Worship Agnostics generally do not follow specific rituals in the traditional religious sense. Their practices might involve personal reflection or philosophical discussions rather than ritualistic worship.
Narrative and Mythic: Stories that Express the Religious Beliefs and History Agnosticism does not rely on myths or narratives. It is grounded in the idea that certain existential truths, such as the existence of deities, are unknowable.
Experiential and Emotional: Personal Experiences and Emotions Related to the Religion For agnostics, experiences and emotions might be centered around intellectual curiosity and the acceptance of uncertainty. Their experiences are often characterized by a search for knowledge and understanding, while acknowledging the limits of human comprehension.
Social and Institutional: Organizational Structure and Community Aspect Agnosticism as a belief system doesn’t have a formal organizational structure or a defined community. Agnostics might participate in various secular or philosophical communities, but these do not have the same institutional framework as religious organizations.
Ethical and Legal: Rules and Laws Governing the Conduct of Followers There are no specific ethical or legal codes associated with agnosticism. Agnostics may adopt moral principles based on personal, philosophical, or cultural beliefs rather than religious doctrines.
Doctrinal and Philosophical: Theological and Philosophical Aspects. The central philosophical aspect of agnosticism is the view that the truth about some metaphysical claims—particularly concerning the existence of gods or the divine—is unknown or unknowable. Agnosticism emphasizes a skeptical approach to theological doctrines. Sometimes incorporates some elements of various beliefs.
Material: Physical Expressions of the Religion, like Sacred Objects, Buildings, and Art Agnosticism does not typically involve the veneration of material objects or sacred spaces as found in many religions. Its expression is more intellectual and less tied to physical artifacts or structures. Sometimes use of new age artifacts such as crystals, horoscopes, incense, essential oils, and divining material.
New Age:
Ritual: New Age practices are diverse and often personalized, including meditation, yoga, energy healing (such as Reiki), crystal therapy, and participation in workshops or retreats. These rituals aim to promote personal growth, spiritual awakening, and holistic well-being.
Narrative/Mythic: New Age spirituality draws from a wide array of sources, incorporating myths and narratives from ancient civilizations, indigenous cultures, and various religious traditions. Common themes include the evolution of human consciousness, the interconnectedness of all life, and the existence of higher dimensions or planes of reality.
Experiential/Emotional: Personal experience is central to New Age beliefs. Practitioners often report profound emotional and spiritual experiences during meditation, energy work, or encounters with nature. These experiences are considered pathways to self-discovery, healing, and a deeper connection with the universe.
Social/Institutional: The New Age movement lacks a centralized structure or formal institutions. Instead, it comprises a loose network of individuals, groups, and communities that share similar interests. These communities often gather in workshops, festivals, online forums, and local meetups to share knowledge and support each other’s spiritual journeys.
Ethical/Legal: Ethical guidelines in New Age spirituality emphasize personal responsibility, environmental stewardship, and the principle of “do no harm.” There’s a focus on living authentically, pursuing personal growth, and contributing positively to the world. Legal structures are minimal, as the movement values personal freedom and self-regulation.
Doctrinal/Philosophical: New Age philosophy is eclectic, often blending elements from Eastern religions, Western esotericism, and modern psychology. Core beliefs include the idea that individuals can create their own reality, the presence of a universal energy or life force, and the potential for personal transformation and enlightenment.
Material: Physical objects play a significant role in New Age practices. Common items include crystals, tarot cards, essential oils, and sacred symbols. These materials are used as tools for meditation, healing, divination, and enhancing spiritual energy.
New Age spirituality often incorporates channeling, where individuals claim to communicate with higher beings, spirits, or their own higher self for guidance.
Astrology commonly plays a significant role, with practitioners using celestial alignments to understand personality traits, life events, and spiritual paths.
Sometimes there’s a focus on past life regression, where individuals explore previous incarnations through hypnosis to uncover karmic lessons or unresolved issues.
Syncretism is a hallmark, blending elements from Hinduism, Buddhism, paganism, and indigenous practices into a personalized spiritual framework.
Sound healing, through instruments like Tibetan bowls or tuning forks, is used to balance energy and promote relaxation.
The belief in extraterrestrial life may be more common than in other beliefs, often tied to ideas of cosmic enlightenment and advanced civilizations guiding humanity.
Dietary practices, such as veganism or raw food diets, are sometimes emphasized as a way to raise vibrational energy and achieve spiritual clarity.
New Age practices often include creative visualization, where individuals imagine desired outcomes to manifest positive changes in their lives.
There’s a big subset that ascribe to the notion of modern witches who harness natural energies and rituals to heal through herbs and spells or to provide for themselves and others, sometimes exploring the dual capacity to also cause harm.
The concept of sacred spaces, whether altars at home or natural locations, is central to many rituals and meditative practices for many new age adherents.
My own personal thoughts:
Not a fan of the pay for a past life u don’t remember.
Some appeal in mysticism.
Prefer the more human(e) vs impersonal and ineffable God
love>wisdom.
orthopraxy>orthodoxy. (actions speak louder than words)
I believe in religious tolerance
eternal soul with ever changing reality.
Trust experience, beyond words,
no one authority.
High amount of Trinity in various beliefs
We are partners in creation. God as intimately involved in the workings of the world
Maybe its just bed time stories so we stop being superficial and get along
Main goal of all is to make us more human(e).
Tao has 10,000 gates, we must find our own. Many fail to see the diversity.
There’s aspects of new age belief I really like, but I think it also can turn into another form of “things only work this way” rigidity.
Different lens lead to different experiences and beliefs
We must be humble enough to not think that our thoughts are God’s thoughts.
This feels like an attempt to explore and chart the infinite.
Though I may only live once, each perspective I explore opens the door to countless lives, each rich with its own wisdom and possibilities.
