Made by Theology 101, Nhan, Derek, Gina, Hannah, Robin, and Alex from University Of Portland

2. 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

4. 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.

5. ORIGINS OF NEW RELIGION
(PAGE 490 – 492)
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.

6. ORIGINS OF NEW RELIGIONS
(PAGE 490 – 492)
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.

7. ORIGINS OF NEW RELIGIONS
(PAGE 490 – 492)
Quite often a new religious movement is syncretic-
a blend of religions. In this section we see this
predominantly in Cao Dai

8. 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

9. Pop Quiz
2/ A new religion can be formed by an individual
who have life-changing insight.
A – True
B – False

11. 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.

12. Definition
“Sects”:
Literally means division.
Suggest a dangerous threat to social unity
Scholars nowadays define the term “Sects” to be
somewhat loosely structured

13. 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

14. New religious movements should be viewed
with caution while others with tolerance
Some 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.

16. 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.

17. 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 pint . s
Women play a prominent role as bearers of knowledge and as
leaders of ritual in Wicca.

18. 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.

19. 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.

20. 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.

21. 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.

22. Pop Quiz
1/ ____________ is a general name for religious
movements attempting to return to earlier,
nature-based religions.

23. 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.

24. Extracted from Google Images

25. 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_shadow
s.html

27. 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.

28. Location of the Yoruba
People

29. 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

30. 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

31. Similarities between the Yoruba
Religion and Roman Catholicism
Both 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

32. 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

33. 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…

34. 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

35. Orishas
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

36. 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

37. Major Orishas (Ochas) of
Santería
Elegguá (aka Elegbara or
Eshu)
Oshún
Has knowledge of destiny Goddes of love, fertility,
and marriage
First orisha to be prayed to
in ritual Associated with rivers
Messenger god &Trickster Symbols are boats and
mirrors
Associated with turning
points Colors are yellow and
white
Colors are black and red
Catholic parallel is Our
Parallel Catholic saint is Lady of Charity
usually Saint Anthony

38. Oshún

39. Major Orishas (Ochas) of
Santería
Shangó (Changó) Babalú-Ayé
Thought to be a Yoruba king Compassionate old man
who was deified
with a crutch
Young, passionate, powerful,
handsome, and vain He is called to heal
Associated with powerful serious bodily afflictions
storms, lightning, and thunder
Symbol is the two-edged axe Symbol is a crutch
Colors are red and white Colors are white and blue
Saint Barbara is his closest
Catholic parallel Parallel is Saint Lazarus

40. Shangó (Changó)

41. Major Orishas (Ochas) of
Santería
Obatalá Ochosi
Associated with itelligence A hunter
He formed the earth and
human beings at God’s Color is purple
command
Symbol is a crossbow
Symbol is the horsetail
whisk, a symbol of Parallel is Saint Norbert.
authority
Color is white
Parallel is Our Lady of
Mercy

42. Major Orishas (Ochas) of
Santería
Oggún Yemayá
Metalworker Protector of women
Symbols are the knife and pick Help with motherhood
Patron of barbers, butchers, Associated with the ocean
and all who work with knives
and metal Symbols are coral and
Responsible for war and seashells
vehicle accidents Colors are white and blue
Colors are black and green
Parallel is Our Lady of
Parallel is Saint Peter Regla

43. Major Orishas (Ochas) of
Santería
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

44. 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

45. Candomblé
Influenced by Portuguese Catholicism
Developed in Brazil

46. 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

47. Pop Quiz
1/ In Santeria, any deity is called a (n) _________

48. 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

50. 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.

51. 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.

52. 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.

53. 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.

54. 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.

55. 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.

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

57. Pop Quiz
2/ Madame Blavatsky is one of the cofounders of
Theosophy
Christian Science
Reflexology
Scientology

59. The Church of Scientology
Roots in Indian spirituality
Founded in 1954 by L. Ron Hubbard
Hubbard was a science-fiction author

60. L. Ron Hubbard
b. 1911
d. 1986

61. 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

62. 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

63. 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

64. 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

65. http://www.whatisscientology
.org/html/Part02/Chp06/img/
grdchart.gif

66. 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

67. 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

68. 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

69. 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

70. Celebrity Scientologists
John Travolta & Kelly Preston
Kristie Alley
Tom Cruise & Katie Holmes

71. 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

72. 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

74. 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.

75. 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.

76. 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.

77. The Benefits for followers of
Falun Gong
Followers 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

78. Falun Gong VS Chinese
Government
The 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.

79. 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

80. 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.

82. 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

83. 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

85. 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)

86. 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

87. Teachings of Cao Dai
Third Alliance
nineteenth century
continued in the revelations to Ngo Van Chieu and
his followers
when God’s speaking clearest

88. Cao Dai’s belief
revelation has not ended
divine realm
contact human beings through revelations
God and heavenly spirits

89. 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)

90. 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

91. 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

92. 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

93. 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

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

96. 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.

97. Marcus Garvey (1887-1940)
Born in Jamaica and organized
the Universal Negro
Important Improvement Association (UNIA)
in 1914.
Figures 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.

98. Ras Tafari (1891-1975
Took a new name when he became
ruler of Ethiopia: Emperor Haile
Important Selassie (“Holy Trinity”)
Believed to have descended from the
Figures 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.

99. 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

100. 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.

101. 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

102. 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.

103. 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

104. 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

106. 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 19th 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.

107. 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.

108. 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.

109. 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.

110. 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.

111. 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.

112. 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.

113. Pop Quiz
1/ Baha’I is a religion that blends elements from
French Catholism and African religions.
A. True
B. False

114. 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.

116. 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?

117. 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

118. 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.

119. 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”

120. 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)