Rtn to Chapel

Rtn to Chapel

Faiths and Movements

Drug Culture

New Age

Ecology

Fundamentalism

Faiths and Movements The artist shows lesser known faiths explored in this section. From upper left, clockwise: ecology/humanitarianism, mysticism/past life readings, new age/occultism, shamanism and theosophy leader Annie Besant, with Ramalingaswami's universalistic Temple of Light at the center. A Sampling of Faiths In his search of the Divine, man has created innumerable smaller religions, often called faiths. These spiritual paths are often charismatic or mystical in source or nature and have a powerful spiritual presence despite being numerically small. A few examples: SPIRITUALISM: Spiritualism holds that there is another, perhaps deeper, reality on "the other side" which can be contacted by mediums or psychics who have sufficient sensitivity. It is one of the oldest forms of communion. SHAMANISM: This broad term includes the thousands of tribal faiths which have existed on every continent since long before recorded history. Beliefs include a deep sense of the sacredness of life and of the Earth, communion with spirit guides and in the ability of man to live in harmony with and influence nature. THEOSOPHY: Inspired by Hinduism and Buddhism and founded in 1875 by Madame Blavatsky and Colonel H.S. Olcott, Theosophy emphasizes mystical experience, esoteric doctrines and monism. Theosophists seek universal brotherhood, exploring the unexplained laws of nature and the psychic powers latent in man. UNIVERSALISM: Many faiths are based on universalist principles, often as a conscious effort to avoid certain doctrines which are seen as narrow or sectarian. Universalism arises in all religions, whether Christian (Unitarianism), Islam (Baha'i), Jain (Rajneeshism) or Hindu (dozens of integrating-all-religions movements, such as those of Satya Sai Baba, Krishnamurti and Maharshi Mahesh Yogi). OTHER FAITHS Among thousands of other faiths are: indigenous people's tribal religions, humanitarianism, neo-Indian religion, shamanism, Anthroposophy, Swedenborgianism, Gnosticism, Neoplatonism, Scientology, Eckankar, channeling, witchcraft, Paganism, occultism, Subud, mysticism, Freemasonry, Satan worship, Huna, Voodoo, Santeria, Sufism, Baha'i, Rosicrucianism, Christian Science and Religious Science. A SAMPLING OF BELIEFS OF FAITHS I believe in the fundamental unity and common source of all religions (Baha'i and Universalism). I believe man's natural spirituality is best expressed in loving and practical aid to his fellow man, rather than metaphysical inquiry (Humanitarianism). I believe in the unity of religions, the efficacy of devotion, sadhana and service and in Satya Sai Baba as the living Incarnation of God (Saiism). I believe that spiritual progress comes through analysis of current and past life experiences which resolve past karma most directly (Scientology). I believe that there is no God beyond the Divine within man and no truth beyond existential freedom, that all religions imprison man, causing repression, fear and poverty (Rajneeshism). I believe man's sense of the sacred can be fulfilled naturally, without formal worship, houses of God, ceremony, creeds or theology (various faiths). I believe religion consists of unitive and direct mystical experience which should be the objective of every religious aspirant (mysticism). I believe that the cultivation of occult powers including ESP, astral travel, past life readings, etc., is the highest pursuit of that which is spiritual (occultism). I believe in the intimate relationship of man, Spirit and the Earth -- which is a living, sacred being -- and in the brotherhood of all creatures (indigenous tribalism). Movements Here we explore some of the larger movements, which are not necessarily spiritual in nature but are important currents of thought and belief which shape modern politics and society. Others that we do not delve into include human rights, gay liberation, women's equality, anti-abortion, anti-child-abuse, interfaith, native rights and extraterrestrialism.

Top Drug Culture "Drug culture" refers to the fluid ideas and unrestrained way of life developed in Western societies during the 1960s. Its adherents embrace a lifestyle based on the use of various natural and man-made drugs, such as marijuana, hashish, peyote, mescaline, cocaine, LSD and chemical designer drugs. DRUG CULTURE BELIEFS I believe that one can achieve the ultimate goal of enlightenment, as understood by any religion, through the use of drugs. I believe that the psychedelic drug experience, properly handled, fulfills the role of a spiritual teacher or guru. I believe that drugs give mystical experiences of various types identical to and therefore equally as valid as those achieved through yoga, penance, grace, etc. I believe that the knowledge gained on drugs is more valid than the traditional knowledge given by society or religion because it is direct, personal experience of a higher order. I believe that people who take drugs are more "aware" or "enlightened" than those who do not. I believe that one can solve his personal psychological problems or "hangups" by taking drugs. I believe in living simply, close to nature and in harmony with others and that sexual relationships need not be restricted by the traditional morals imposed by society. I believe that the ideal life is to completely drop out of society, becoming self-sufficient and associating with others of a like mind, and that those who do not drop out of society but continue to involve themselves in mundane materialism are living in a lower consciousness. I believe that the meaning of life is found in intense self-revelatory experiences, which can be attained through drugs that open the doors of perception to higher consciousness.

Top The New Age The term new age was coined in the 1970s to denote an awakening of the mass consciousness to deeper realities and the need for individual attunement with universal, higher consciousness and creative transformation. In practice, new-age thinking embraces myriad enlightenment teachings (mostly of Eastern origin) -- from crystalography to Zen, parapsychology to holistic medicine. NEW AGE BELIEFS I believe in the one Eternal Source or Ultimate Reality, called by many names, which flows through all forms of nature and can be known through spiritual realization and experience. I believe in unseen worlds and beings who may interact with our world, and that some are benevolent and help guide and protect us, while others are malevolent, and that channeling, or mediumship, is a means of contacting such souls. I believe that the world is a dynamic, conscious entity; that mankind is but one part of the cosmic ecology and that, as stewards, we must treat the world responsibly, with love, respect and reverence. I believe that consciousness is present in and conveyed through some structures more than others. Thus, for example, crystals are powerful sources or channels of knowledge and spiritual strength. I believe in meditation, trance, rebirthing, self-healing, channeling, past-life regression, crystals, sexual tantras, drugs and more as effective tools in the quest for wholeness and oneness with the sacred, and that one should continue to explore alternatives and not feel restricted to the disciplines of any one system of thought. I believe the world has entered the New Age, the age of Aquarius, awakening to the consciousness of love, selflessness, compassion and creativity, from the old age of hatred, war, ignorance and greed. Those who perceive this vision should share it with others to uplift society. I believe that traditional religions are outmoded and that we are moving toward a universal brotherhood; yet, the Eastern religions and so-called primitive faiths are rich reservoirs of truth and spiritual practice. I believe in nonconformity and noncommitment: that each person is responsible to his-her own conscience only and not to the dictates of society which often unduly hamper freedom of expression, and that even spiritual gurus are to be approached with circumspection. I believe that many of society's traditional economic and social structures are outmoded and should be abandoned for ones which reflect new-age consciousness, and that dropping out of society is a valid new-age alternative.

Top The Ecology Movement In the 1980s there arose an Earth-ethics movement complete with philosophy, an immense following and compelling missionary zeal. It deemed the present global environmental imbalance so severe as to threaten future generations' quality of life, perhaps even leading to the extinction of the human race. There is a wide philosophical range among adherents: 1) man-centered conservationists seek to preserve natural resources for human enjoyment, 2) environmentalists work to preserve ecosystems and species and 3) "deep ecologists" call for spiritualization of human life in consonance with a sacred nature. In the 1990s this movement brought together organizational, tribal, religious and political leaders from hundreds of nations to focus on global concerns at international conferences. Adherents believe the world must act speedily to protect nature and humanity from disaster. BELIEFS OF THE ECOLOGY MOVEMENT I believe that all nature is sacred and One and that each life form has intrinsic value in a cosmos where elements, plants, animals and humans are intimately interconnected, essential to and dependent on the whole. I believe that every human being has the right to a healthy, pristine, undiminished environment, and that we are morally obliged to work toward assuring this right for future generations. I believe that all living beings have an inalienable right to exist, and that through our ignorance, assisted by science, we have disrupted life's balance and brought about the extinction of vast numbers of plant and animal species. I believe that the sacredness of life demands the practice of nonviolence, that differences must be resolved by consultation rather than conflict. Nations must work toward complete disarmament. I believe we must change our system of values away from materialism and consumerism, transform our hearts and minds, make simple and concrete changes in our way of life and renew our deepest religious impulses as we create a global society. I believe mankind must rediscover the value of frugality, avoid waste, implement sustainable systems of nonpolluting farming, manufacturing and energy production to enable future generations to meet their needs. Simplicity of life fosters inner freedom and outer sustainability. I believe that biological, cultural and religious diversity are essential to life's purpose, and that all species and human traditions, especially indigenous faiths, must be preserved through peaceful co-existence, protection of habitats through wilderness preservation. I believe that the present ecological crisis is, at its heart, a spiritual crisis for the human race and affirm the importance of respecting all spiritual traditions, promoting those that foster concern and responsibility for the environment and vigorously challenging those that do not. I believe that overpopulation poses one of the greatest threats to the natural environment and to the quality of human life, and that to establish a sustainable Earth community we must promote the extended family and make greater efforts to educate women and children.

Top Fundamentalism Fundamentalism describes any religious creed or philosophical persuasion marked by extreme dogmatism and intolerance. There are fundamentalist denominations within virtually every religion and faith -- including Christianity, Judaism, Islam, Buddhism, Sikhism and Hinduism -- all believing in a literal interpretation of their scripture as the exclusive truth, the one and only way which all souls must follow to attain salvation. Historically, fundamentalism, especially when coupled with evangelical zeal, has led to aggression and violence against nonbelievers. FUNDAMENTALIST BELIEFS I believe that there is only one acceptable perception of truth, and it is stated in our scriptures; and all who do not accept this doctrine are following false paths and are destined to eternal damnation. I believe that the gospel was spoken at one point in time by our messiah, the one and only true representative of God, and is not subject to or in need of adaptation through time or circumstance. I believe that the members of our faith have been divinely commissioned by God and are duty-bound to spread His holy word throughout the world. I believe that government should reflect and embody the beliefs of my faith, and that even nonbelievers should abide by our religious law as the law of the land. I believe that there is in this world a battle between the believers, representing the forces of light, and the nonbelievers, representing the forces of darkness, and that ultimately good will conquer evil. I believe that, if necessary, force and violence should be used to bring nonbelievers and dissidents to accept the truth of our religious doctrine, and that the use of such force is justifiable in the name of God. I believe that free inquiry and the questioning of our religious doctrine is the first step to heresy and should be guarded against, and that modern liberties are forms of self-indulgence and sin. I believe that our codes of morality are God's absolute commandments and are not subject to change, revision or reinterpretation. I believe that education for children should consist of strict and exclusive learning of our teachings and careful censorship of other forms of thought and belief.