Development Of Religion Flashcards
What is magic and superstition
Where Malinowski studied the trobriand islanders, a tribe that used magical rites to ward off evil
What is Totemism?
Form of religion found in small cultures and tribal societies where they believe animals/plant to have special sígnica ce/supernatural powers
What is animism?
Form of religion found in small cultures. Belief that ghosts/spirits populate same world as humans-either good or bad- can influence behaviour. Spirits/souls may occupy objects/animals and can cause madness/possession
What is polythestic?
Belief in more than one god
What is monothestic?
Belief in one god
Summary of heavens gate
1970, indigenous, world rejecting cult, belief in UFOs and had to act like monks and nuns leading to mass sucide of 39
Wallis’ classification of NRMs
- Indigenous
- Imported
- Synthesis
- Modern psychology
- World affirming
- World accomodating
- World rejecting
Indigenous
New expression of traditional forms if religion but more enthusiastic and demanding interpretation
Imported
Drawing religious traditions quite distant from their own culture
Synthesis
Combining Christian and Buddhists beliefs and practices. Believed their leader could eastablish kingdom of god
Modern psychology
Focus on psychological wellbeing/self help. Aimed to improve individuals functioning and sucessing to be better version of self
World affirming
Spiritual enrichment offering personal fulfilment to turn into better people
World accomodating
Don’t affirm/reject but adapt to ensure can live peacefully
World rejecting
Sees world as evil/corrupt. Think way society is organised is against will of God + needs to radically change
Stark and bainbridge classifications
- Audience cult
- Client cult
- Cult movement
