Spring 17 302 conference

ANTHROPOLOGY OF RELIGION VIRTUAL CONFERENCE SPRING 2017 PHOTOS BY NATALIE DOWNE, LLYN SMITH, HOWARD G. CHARING, MARC VERAART, RAPHAEL FAUVEAU, AJMER DARGAH, ALEKSANDER DRAGNES, RUSTY STEWART, MCKAY SAVAGE, AND SEIER+SEIER

A Word from the Conference Chair Congratulations on being participants at the annual Anthropology of Religion virtual conference. Thank you for your many wonderful presentations and for providing all of us the opportunity to learn a little about your fascinating work on a vast range of religious beliefs and practices and the complicated ways that religious ideas shape our varied realities..

As scholars in an Anthropology of Religion course (a GE course with majors from all disciplines) we have been able to undertake individual research, explore our interests and grapple with the issues involved in ethnographic representation. Each scholar has been forced to confront how to present a critical glimpse of an aspect of a religious belief system, embedded in a particular culture, and raise questions about the relationship between the two.

Please enjoy this opportunity for intellectual engagement and thoughtful reflection on the cultures and religions here represented in the work of your colleagues.

TABLE OF CONTENTS ANTHROPOLOGY OF RELIGION............................................................................................................................... 1 VIRTUAL CONFERENCE................................................................................................................................................ 1 Spring 2017................................................................................................................................................................... 1 A Word from the Conference Chair..............................................................................................................................2 AFRICAN ROOTS........................................................................................................................................................... 5 The Rise of Rastafarianism......................................................................................................................................... 5 EUROPE AND EGYPT.................................................................................................................................................... 5 Viking life and modern myth......................................................................................................................................... 5 Religion Among the Roma: Syncretic Christianity as a Marker of Identity...................................................................5 The Sacrementality of Catholocism.............................................................................................................................6 Mysteries of The Viking Culture................................................................................................................................... 6 Serbian Orthodoxy and its People............................................................................................................................... 6 Becoming a Saint in the 21st Century........................................................................................................................... 6 ASIAN.............................................................................................................................................................................. 7 Taosim: The Beliefs and Practice in Modern China.....................................................................................................7 A Brief History and Summary of Major Philosophies in Taoism: Implications for Environmentalism...........................7 Shintoism and Japanese Society................................................................................................................................. 7 Shinto: Its Lasting Effects of Japanese Culture...........................................................................................................8 BUDDHISM..................................................................................................................................................................... 8 The Journey to Enlightenment..................................................................................................................................... 8 Buddhism: Religion or Philosophy?.............................................................................................................................8 Buddhism: The Four Noble Truths...............................................................................................................................8 Buddhism and Chinese Culture................................................................................................................................... 9 Suicide in Buddhism....................................................................................................................................................... 9 PAGANISM & WICCA..................................................................................................................................................... 9 Cultural Influences of Celtic Paganism........................................................................................................................9 Exploring Pre-Christian Norse Paganism.................................................................................................................. 10 The Cult of Apollo...................................................................................................................................................... 10 Shamanism V. Witchcraft........................................................................................................................................... 10 HINDUISM..................................................................................................................................................................... 10 Understanding the Aghori Religion............................................................................................................................10 Hinduism and the “sacred Cow”................................................................................................................................. 11 Modern Day Witches.................................................................................................................................................... 11 ISLAM............................................................................................................................................................................ 11 Understanding Islam: Religion and Culture in the Middle East..................................................................................11 Looking Through the Static........................................................................................................................................ 12 The Five Pillars of Islam: A Discourse on the Sacred and Profane...........................................................................12 Traditional Character of Islamic Culture..................................................................................................................... 12 NORTH AMERICAN...................................................................................................................................................... 13 Scientology: Addressing the Spirit............................................................................................................................. 13 Scientology: Religious Sect or System of Control?...................................................................................................13 Understanding the past of Mormonism......................................................................................................................13 The Cosmology of the Pomo People.........................................................................................................................14 The American Amish and Technology........................................................................................................................ 14 OTHER SOUTH ASIAN & MIDDLE EASTERN............................................................................................................14 Astrology’s Influence on Religion Of Mesopotamia...................................................................................................14 Central/SOUTH AMERICAN.......................................................................................................................................... 15 Syncretism & Skeletons: An Overview of the Origins and Evolution of Día de los Muertos......................................15 Vodou: Perception V. Practice........................................................................................................................................ 15 Mayan Religion and THeir gods................................................................................................................................. 15 The Meaning of Healing in Oaxaca, Mexico..............................................................................................................15

OTHER.......................................................................................................................................................................... 16 Syncretism................................................................................................................................................................. 16 Jainism: Svetambara and Digambara........................................................................................................................ 16 The Secret to Satanism............................................................................................................................................. 17 The Kogi: An Ecocentric Culture in the face of Climate Change...............................................................................17 Jainism: Hierarchy of Being....................................................................................................................................... 17 Nihilism: Believeing in Not Believing..........................................................................................................................17 Sex and Religion........................................................................................................................................................ 18

AFRICAN ROOTS

Photo by Timothy Tolle

THE RISE OF RASTAFARIANISM Alyssa Romero ABSTRACT

My Presentation is on the religion of Rastafarianism, specifically on how popular culture has diminished the true meaning of this religion. Due to a boom in popular culture with reggae and marijuana specifically, people have adopted Rastafarianism beliefs and claimed it as their own while neglecting the true meaning and intent of the religion. People have chose only certain aspects of the religion to abide by and thus labeled themselves a Rastafarian. My presentation will cover the true meaning and intent of the religion as well as the history of how it became and how popular culture has diminished the religions true intent and made it their own.

EUROPE AND EGYPT

VIKING LIFE AND MODERN MYTH Jared Amerman ABSTRACT

This presentation is an examination of the Pagan religion of the greater Scandinavian area, specifically focusing on the daily lives and ritual practices of the religion's practitioners. Through popular culture we know these people as Vikings, but have a limited view of their lives and the culture surrounding them. I think this is an interesting topic because there is a paucity of documented literature on the lives of Scandinavian Pagans that is in direct contrast to the plethora of myths and legends that imbue our pop culture and leave us with a cartoonized misrepresentation version of their culture.

RELIGION AMONG THE ROMA: SYNCRETIC CHRISTIANITY AS A MARKER OF IDENTITY Mikaela Lee ABSTRACT

This presentation compares and contrasts forms of syncretic Christianity practiced by three different groups of Roma in Europe. First, I will critique the hegemonic stereotype of the Roma as non-religious and examine the ways in which Irish Travellers' practice of Catholicism differs from the Catholicism practiced by the dominant society. I will also examine the ways in which dominant religious practices are adapted and adopted to suit the needs of English Traveller-Gypsies, and act in concert with Roma notions of purity and pollution to establish a social boundary between Gypsies and Gorgios. Finally, with reference to the sedentarized Gitanos of Madrid, I will examine how conversion en masse to Pentecostalism can reinforce existing social boundaries while challenging Gitano social norms.

THE SACREMENTALITY OF CATHOLOCISM Marisela Jara ABSTRACT

This presentation examines Catholicism, and focuses on the sacredness of the seven sacraments. They are not only seen as signs of Christ’s work, but are also seen as learning opportunities. This topic’s interesting because in order for a couple to receive the blessing of the Church in holy matrimony, each individual must participate in all sacraments. This is because they hold the power of Christ and after accomplishing them; the couple will be blessed with a matrimony that embodies Christ. By having a better understanding of the seven sacraments, we can learn about the knowledge individuals acquire with each sacrament.

MYSTERIES OF THE VIKING CULTURE Tonya Bills ABSTRACT

In this presentation I will guide you through Viking history, focusing on their religious beliefs, their devotion to their gods, and some of the rituals and symbolisms they use for this. The Viking religion revolves around the appeasement of their gods that they worship in order to have wealth and prosperity in their lives. They demonstrate many ritual practices and beliefs which come from a very old time era. These rites and offerings they present to their gods were a normal occurrence at this time. By studying this pre-Christian religion we can better

understand this deep and complex culture that thrived on warfare as well as the many voyages they set out on.

SERBIAN ORTHODOXY AND ITS PEOPLE Jason Pitt ABSTRACT

For the Serbian people, an Eastern Slavic group inhabiting modern day Serbia, and areas of Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Kosovo, nothing could be more unifying and relevant than the Serbian Orthodox Church.

Developed out of the Western Christian influence over the Eastern Roman Empire, and shaped by the sacking of Constantinople during the Fourth Crusade and the subsequent fall of Constantinople to the Ottomans, this regional Christian Orthodoxy has a profound impact on contemporary culture, language, tradition, and political beliefs of Serbian people worldwide. The official state religion of Serbia, the Serbian Orthodox Church, provides a strong nationalistic and a rich historical and cultural context and identity, and a continuing message of kinship, pride, and solidarity among Serbs.

BECOMING A SAINT IN THE 21 S T CENTURY Heriberto Ruiz ABSTRACT

According to figures released by the Vatican there are around 1.2 billion Roman Catholic worshippers across the globe: making it one of the most important, influential and controversial practiced religions in the history of mankind. Scholars have concluded that the canonization of martyrs and holy individuals into sainthood native to particular indigenous regions in the world has been one of the most effective recruiting and conversion tools employed by the Catholic Church. Canonization of individuals after their deaths is a long standing practice that involves a complicated process. The entire life of the individual in question is dissected completely: beginning with the Bishop of Diocese initiating an investigation for miracles (special favors) along with a life of pure worship with devotion to Christ and the Church, or if a life of martyrdom and selfless sacrifices was lived. As minute as the process for sainthood may be, there is one aspect that speaks to the incredulity that exists within the process: the investigation undertaken by the “devil’s advocate” who raises objections and doubts in the said persons character and the existence of a miracle that must be settled before an individual can be declared venerable. The fact that

there may be detractors makes the declaration of sainthood of any individual much more complicated for devoted believers who have embraced the memories of men and women alike who have impacted their communities in a positive way by spreading love, empathy and devotion to the Church. Canonization and the formal declaration of sainthood will be explored in this paper and how recent “canonizations� have strengthened the devotion of the masses in impoverished communities in the world by exploring the emergence of Mother Theresa and Saint John Paul the Great. .

ASIAN

and how it is practiced today, we can see how its followers live daily in modern China, and how their beliefs affect the world around them. By studying Taoism in China, we can understand how religions and societal cultures meld together.

A BRIEF HISTORY AND SUMMARY OF MAJOR PHILOSOPHIES IN TAOISM: IMPLICATIONS FOR ENVIRONMENTALISM Amelia Litz ABSTRACT

This presentation examines the history of influential people and texts in Taoist philosophy and religion, and how the beliefs and philosophies could be adopted by western environmentalism practices. One of the most important concepts in Taoist philosophy is human connection with nature. Adoption of this idea of connection would put current and future environmental practices into question as it would break the perceived barriers between humans and nature. This presentation covers how Taoist concepts of Yin and Yang, Wu-Wei, and the five elements relate to current environmental issues in general. It also briefly addresses difficulties with western adoption of such concepts.

SHINTO ISM AND JAPANESE SOCIETY Daniel Nugent ABSTRACT

Photo by Topinambour

TAOSIM: THE BELIEFS AND PRACTICE IN MODERN CHINA

This presentation will be looking at the history of Shintoism in Japan and the many ways it has integrated in to Japanese society throughout history. Early in Shinto's history the Japanese government and religion where in complete unification. Today the practice of Shinto is still strongly supported by the state and is a large part of life in Japan which is demonstrated by the over one hundred thousand official shrines that exist in Japan today. Unlike many new religions introduced to a population, when Buddhism was introduced to Japan it existed and still does exist along with Shinto often sharing the same shrine space and in many ways Shinto accommodated Buddhist traditions throughout Japan.

Nicole Jelinek ABSTRACT

This presentation explores how Taoism, one of the most popular religions in China, fits in with the Chinese economy, social cultures and day to day life of those who follow the religion. By first understanding what Taoism is

SHINTO: ITS LASTING EFFECTS OF JAPANESE CULTURE Kyle Phillips

ABSTRACT

This presentation examines the Shinto, the traditional Japanese religion. More specifically, it examines how an ancient tradition with polytheistic ideologies affects contemporary Japanese culture. Shinto beliefs and rituals involve Kami, these Kami are spirits that are close to humans and most everything has a Kami attached to it, from the wind and sea to dogs and the elements. Because the Kami are ingrained in all parts of everyday life those who practice Shinto take far more care and pride in tasks than their western counterparts might. This idea that everything has a Kami and that everything is worth care and attention is credited to the success of the Japanese people. By delving into the ideals behind the Shinto religion maybe we too can take greater care in our work and more pride in everyday tasks. .

BUDDHISM

Buddhist religion to aid them in the right direction on their journey to enlightenment. Meditation, mantras and monasticism are three types of practices or religions I will be discussing.

BUDDHISM: RELIGION OR PHILOSOPHY? Kay Montgomery ABSTRACT

This presentation will examine the religion of Buddhism, and focus more specifically on the core beliefs of Buddhism. There are people who believe Buddhism is not a religion, but a philosophy because Buddhism is not centered around the belief in one or multiple gods. Some may go as far as to call Buddhism atheistic due to this belief. The "Buddha", whom Buddhism is based off of, was merely a man and was never regarded as divine or a prophet. The definition of religion can be interpreted as a particular system of faith and worship or can be stretch further to include the belief in a superhuman power. I hope to provide a detailed look at the core values of Buddhism so that readers may have the information necessary to decide for themselves.

BUDDHISM : THE FOUR NOBLE TRUTHS Jeffrey Mosbacher ABSTRACT

Photo by Aleksander Dragnes

THE JOURNEY TO ENLIGHTENMENT Amanda Applegate ABSTRACT

This presentation is about the Buddhist religion and some of the major aspects necessary for one to reach full enlightenment. Buddha’s journey to enlightenment started the creation of the Four Noble Truths and are now a guide in the Buddhist religion today. The main focus of these four aspects, are the strategies and ways of coping through suffering. Practices and rituals are a tool in the

This presentation focuses on the Buddhist religion, specifically, with regard to the Four Noble Truths.

Siddhartha Gautama (later known as the Buddha) lived during the 4th century B.C. in current day Nepal and discovered the Four Noble Truths during his search for enlightenment. The Four Noble Truths are at the foundation of Buddhist ritual and address the core causes of human suffering. The Four Noble Truths include: 1) the truth of suffering, 2) the truth of the cause of suffering, 3) the truth of the end of suffering, and 4) the truth of the path that frees us from suffering. According to the Buddhist religion, enlightenment is achieved through understanding these truths and practicing a lifestyle which promotes freedom from suffering.

BUDDHISM AND CHINESE CULTURE Timothy Ortega

ABSTRACT

Chinese culture has been entrenched with the ideology of Buddhism since it’s introduction in the 5th century CE. Similar to the Hopi religion/culture, this essay examined the culture for aspects that are distinctly Buddhist and the effects that these have on culture throughout the history of China. Focusing on literature in different time periods, modern-day Chinese culture, and political conflicts between the Chinese government and Tibet and, the tangled mess that is the combination of Buddhism and Chinese culture are examined in detail.

SUICIDE IN BUDDHISM Ian Thompson ABSTRACT

I will be discussing the origins, history, and modern practices of protest through self immolation practiced by Buddhist monks. I will discuss some of the first teachings of Buddhism and their beliefs on suicide, the progression of Buddhist thought as it entered Japan into Zen and into the law of the shogunate, how this in turn affected WWII Kamikaze pilots, and the modern practice of self immolation as protest. I will also discuss the overall ethical and moral issues pertaining to how the teachings of Buddhism view suicide.

Photo by MarcelGermain

CULTURAL INFLUENCES OF CELTIC PAGANISM Christopher Ellsworth ABSTRACT

This presentation is a look at Celtic Paganism and what forces might have been exerted on it to shape their religious beliefs. This will look at migrations, contact with other cultures and the relationship the Celts had with their environment and themselves. This is an interesting topic to me because not much is known for certain about the Celts because they did not keep written histories, and yet much of their culture has survived in specific geographic areas and in western culture at large.

PAGANISM & WICCA

EXPLORING PRE-CHRISTIAN NORSE PAGANISM Jeremy Nelson ABSTRACT

This presentation is a in depth spotlight on Norse Paganism within Scandinavian cultures as it existed during pre-christian influence. Focusing on the various rituals of Norse paganism including the use of fate in rites of passages regarding child upbringing and how ancestor worship plays into many facets of pre-christian Scandinavian culture, including child naming. Other rituals including the important marriage ritual which cumulated in the brudlaup ceremony in which the two families of the bride and groom would meet for the first time. These various religious rituals helped create an interesting foundation for the Norse religion and pave the way for understanding pre-christian society as a whole.

THE CULT OF APOLLO Marcellus Parley ABSTRACT

This presentation will examine the oracular cults of Apollo, and general Apollo worship in antiquity. It will begin with a brief overview of the mythology and geography, followed by the meat of the presentation: an examination of the Apollo oracles, their shrines, and rituals. A focus of this examination will be on the significance these shrines held in ancient Greek (and Roman) society - who sought divination, for what reasons, and to what effect. Finally, it will come to an end with another brief discussion on Apollo as a symbol in a more modern context concerning his influences on the arts and other cultural arenas.

Photo by Graham Hills

UNDERSTANDING THE AGHORI RELIGION Sarah Schuette

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SHAMANISM V. WITCHCRAFT Taylor Richardson ABSTRACT

My presentation will examine both Shamanism and Witchcraft. The presentation will begin with examining both practices separately and then move into comparing and contrasting the two. This topic is interesting because many people often lump together both Shamanism and Witchcraft, but there are interesting differences between them. It is also interesting to learn where they both come from and see how their beginnings create similarities and/or differences. A lot can be learned by knowing the differences between the two.

HINDUISM

ABSTRACT

This presentation examines the Aghori religion, a religious sect of Hinduism. Like most Hindus, Aghori people worship Shiva, the “Destroyer and Transformer”.

Unlike Hindus, however, they also perform religious activities considered “unclean,” which deems them untouchables of Indian society: Aghori people live in and around crematories. They have been known to eat the burned flesh of human bodies and use their ashes in religious ceremonies. While most are repulsed by the ways of the Aghori people, many anthropologists believe there is something to be learned from them. What outsiders might consider a morbid way of life is in fact the use of unwanted resources and a deeper realization of the fragility of human existence through constant worship and exposure to death.

HINDUISM AND THE “SACRED COW”

Danielle-Alexis Torres ABSTRACT

ISLAM

My presentation is based off the research of why there are anti-slaughter and cow worshiping practices in the Hinduism religion. In this religion the cattle used to be sacrificed and only the priests could consume the meat.

While the products that were made by the cow like milk and cheese wee used for different rituals. There are is more data that I need to research to find how this idea of the cattle being sacred started. Hopefully in understanding more about Hinduism I can learn more about the cows symbolism and the beef-less practices that Hindu people follow.

MODERN DAY WITCHES Jennie Warmack ABSTRACT

This presentation explores Wicca religious practices. This religion is duo-theistic and fascinates me in that while there is no set "rule book" nor central governing structure, this religion is very community oriented in what are termed "covens". Covens have their own hierarchy within each small group and consists of roughly 13 Wiccans each. Wicca has similar beliefs to a handful of other organized religions, notably the Law of Threefold Return, which is essentially the concept of karma in Eastern religions.

Photo by seier+seier

UNDERSTANDING ISLAM : RELIGION AND CULTURE IN THE MIDDLE EAST Laura Hahn ABSTRACT

This presentation recognizes several components of the Islamic faith and achieves a comprehensive overview, with some analytic depth, which reveals both the intellectual and cultural concerns which this religion addresses. It will provide a concise background and history of Islam, focusing on symbols, location of the followers, and how the religion has shaped the culture.

Then it will delve into some modern concerns such as gender, ritual violence, and current political context.

There are many misconceptions about Islam and Muslim people as a whole, and this presentation strives to educate and inform the public about the truth behind the innerworkings of this faith.

LOOKING THROUGH THE STATIC Eric Morales ABSTRACT

The aim of this presentation is to examine the religion of Islam as whole, and to determine what it’s core beliefs/values are. Just like any religion Islam is interpreted differently, it is these interpretations that are seen by outsiders. Currently this faith has been brought into the spotlight by organizations who commit violent actions. It is because of this that the Islamic religion has been thought of as violent and incompatible with modern times. It is only by seeking more knowledge about Islam in which we can learn what this religion is about. Instead of having the action of a few define what it means.

THE FIVE PILLARS OF ISLAM: A DISCOURSE ON THE SACRED AND PROFANE Christopher Ramponi ABSTRACT

This presentation will be focusing on Islam, specifically the five pillars of Islam and how they relate to Emile Durkheim’s concept of the profane and sacred. In this presentation I will dissect each of the pillars and show that, while there is not a clear entrance from one sphere into the other (profane to sacred), the pillars themselves create a dichotomous relationship that is central to the religion and practice of it. By understanding the deeprooted philosophy of these practices, we can bridge the gap that the modern political climate has created between Islam and Christianity, as well as other Western religions and dispel the negative connotations of the Muslim world.

TRADITIONAL CHARACTER OF ISLAMIC CULTURE John Todd ABSTRACT

The presentation I chose to examine is the religion of Islam, but more specifically the most common practices and rituals that are within their culture. Islam is the worlds second largest religion behind Christianity and is the fastest growing major religion. In the Muslim religion their are two different faiths for the Five Pillars of Islam; the Shia and Sunnia. The Shia don't refer to it by that

name the commonly live as The Seven Pillars or Twelvers. The overall Muslim life revolves around prayer, concern of the needy, and self purification that many others religion don't have much knowledge about.

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NORTH AMERICAN

of study in the religion of Scientology because of the elaborate syncretism and cosmology that is present in this particular religion. Religious people all over the world are interested in knowing the creation of mankind, as well as the after life that ensues. They often look back to the most ancient religions and try to draw a conclusion. Thus, the thetan is L. Ron Hubbard’s cosmology and his answer to how mankind came to be.

SCIENTOLOGY: RELIGIOUS SECT OR SYSTEM OF CONTROL? Jasmine Zenderland ABSTRACT

I will be discussing different viewpoint relating to the Scientology, and how this belief system can be most accurately classified. While some argue that Scientology has transformed from being a therapeutic cult to a religious sect, others argue it’s founder Ron L. Hubbard sought to take advantage of the protections that a religion receives, including protection against government interference and freedom from paying taxes. I will also discuss the aspects that make this belief system unique, including its creation myth, business practices, and pseudo-psychiatric practices. Finally, I will explore ideas of brainwashing and abuse, and the accusations brought upon the church.

Photo by Drew Zanki

SCIENTOLOGY: ADDRESSING THE SPIRIT Skye Choi ABSTRACT

My presentation explores the religion of Scientology.

More specifically, I am focusing on the practices of Scientology and the importance of the thetan.

Scientologists believe that the thetan is an immortal spiritual being. They believe that a thetan is not a thing, but rather a creator of things. This is similar to the concept of one’s soul, however unlike the human soul, it is believed that a thetan can be connected to multiple people over a long period of time, rather than a human having their own soul. In addition, Scientologists believe that people have past lives and that thetans leave the body once a person physically dies and eventually manifests itself into another human body. This is an interesting point

UNDERSTANDING THE PAST OF MORMONISM Grace Kennedy ABSTRACT

This presentation examines the Mormon religion, and more specifically focuses upon early Mormonism and the Book of Mormon historical meaning the role it played American culture. In the 1800 the religion of Mormonism appeared based on many different entities such as the Book of Mormon. The Book of Mormon was the founding text of early Mormonism, in this book Joseph Smith depicts Moroni as an ancient American history.

This is interesting topic because the many people have a negative view on this religion and practice based off different denominations of Mormonism.

By understanding more about this religion and practices we gather a better of understanding of how early Mormonism differs from other denominations of Mormonism

THE COSMOLOGY OF THE POMO PEOPLE Aleksandr Ostrovsky ABSTRACT

The Pomo peoples of Northern California are a group of indigenous Americans whose cultural and spiritual history is a vibrant tapestry, colored by their traditions of dreaming in order to commune with spirits, weaving baskets as living beings, and performance of sacred ceremonies. This presentation hopes to shed light on animistic Pomo belief systems with a focus on spiritual basketry, Pomo cosmology and traditional Pomo ceremonies. These belief systems represent a truly tangible symbiotic relationship that the Pomo maintained with their natural environment, with myths enforcing social norms and mores. The proximity of Pomo historical territory to Humboldt State University is very relevant for why this culture should be learned more about and paid proper respects towards.

OTHER SOUTH ASIAN & MIDDLE EASTERN

THE AMERICAN AMISH AND TECHNOLOGY Nancy Ramirez ABSTRACT

This presentation is about the American Amish and their resistance to join the rest of the population on the level of technology utilization. It is commonly know that the American Amish do not use technology due to their religion believes. However, during this presentation I will present more complex reasons as for why the American Amish are a lot more careful of how much technology they allow to enter their community. Furthermore, there are approximately 40 variations of Amish in America and they all work very diligently to decide what technology they allow to enter their community. The reason why they are more vigilant about technology is because before something modern enters their community, the elders need to make sure that it would be something that will improve their community not ruin it. Therefore, the resistance has to do with maintaining the moral level of the community, rather than technology itself.

Photo by AngusKirk

ASTROLOGY’S INFLUENCE ON RELIGION OF MESOPOTAMIA Hailey Donohue ABSTRACT

This research examines the impact that astrology has had towards the basis of the founding principles of religions which originated in the Middle East part go the world.

Humans have consistently interpreted their views of the universe and it’s power into the platform for religion. Specifically, this paper focuses on religion based out of Mesopotamia and it’s use of myths and legends that stem from astrology. These religions focused on during this study include; Summerian, Hurrians, Akkadians, Babylonians, and Assyrians. The connection between the study of the earth, universe,

luminaries, and humans is what was seen to drive the basic thinking of the start of religion..

history, evolution, and surrounding Día de los Muertos.

current

practices

CENTRAL/SOUTH AMERICAN

VODOU: PERCEPTION V. PRACTICE Patrick Hanek ABSTRACT

Vodou is a spiritual practice that has a long history of being portrayed through negative stereotypes in western popular culture. Focusing on the practice of Vodou in Haiti, this presentation examines some of the ways that popular-media has portrayed Vodou, gives a brief historical overview of its development in Haiti, and discusses the basic conceptual makeup of the religion.

This presentation also speculates on the role that Vodou might play in strengthening familial bonds, as well as maintaining a cultural link between contemporary Haitian people and their West African origins.

MAYAN RELIGION AND THEIR GOD S Yanet Salazar

Photo by Leonardo Pallotta

ABSTRACT When people hear the word "Mayan" they immediately think of human sacrifice, death and blood thirstiness. The first thing on their mind isn't why the Mayans would sacrifice animals and humans to their gods or if there were other rituals or ways of worship. Yes, the Mayans did sacrifice humans in attempts to pacify or to find favor with their gods but that was just a small part of their culture.

There are over 150 gods and goddess in the Mayan religion, each with their own characteristics, purposes and their own way of worship. The Mayans may have sacrificed a lot of humans but religion was at the heart of everything the Mayans did.

SYNCRETISM & SKELETONS : AN OVERVIEW OF THE ORIGINS AND EVOLUTION OF DÍA DE LOS MUERTOS

T HE MEANING OF HEALING IN OAXACA, MEXICO

Maci Bell

Emily Policarpo

ABSTRACT

ABSTRACT

Día de los Muertos, or the Day of the Dead, has grown cross-cultural popularity over the last few decades. A modern day mention of the holiday will generate colorful images of sugar skulls, marigolds, altars, and some questionable diy Halloween costumes. However, to fully understand and appreciate this South American tradition, one must also be willing to discuss the fusion of Indigenous and Catholic influences that gave birth to this syncretistic celebration. This presentation explores the

For my presentation I have chosen to focus on the culture of Oaxaca, Mexico. Specifically, I explore the healing remedies and the beliefs surrounding them. There are many things that this culture believe are the causes of illness, such as the evil eye and bad air caused by fright or sadness. The culture of Oaxaca believe that illness is correlated with the soul and body and that is why things like bad air have a deeper rooted explanation such as

sadness. I will be presenting the different names and purposes held and practiced by healers such as herbalists, spell casters and witches. The practice of witchcraft is something I will be introducing as well, looking into the good and bad uses behind it. My presentation will also discuss the different types of medicinal plants used in healing practices. Furthermore, this presentation will provide insight into the purposes and reasons behind healing in Oaxaca and the common beliefs held by this culture.

OTHER

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SYNCRETISM Monique Balzar ABSTRACT

My presentation examines world mythologies and the role that syncretism plays in the development and evolution of mythologies, beliefs, and the cultural and spiritual traditions of people around the world. By understanding the complexity of the way that belief and culture changes and evolves, we are better able to understand the history of our own beliefs and religious culture.

JAINISM: SVETAMBARA AND DIGAMBARA McKenzie Danies ABSTRACT

This presentation inspects the Jainism religion. More specifically this presentation will examine Jainism and compare its two sects, Śvētāmbara and Digambara This presentation will review their respective practices towards nonviolence and the concept of Ahisma in the Jainist religion. Ahisma means nonviolence, non-injury or absence of desire to harm any life forms, and the practices taken towards attaining moksha, a liberation from the cycle of birth and death, or resurrection. The Śvētāmbara believes women can obtain Moksha, while the Digambara sect does not. Another difference that is interesting to review is the Digambara belief that its monks must be naked. This presentation will examine the intricacies and practices the Jainists take to avoid violence towards others, which ultimately cases harm to one’s soul. The Jainists extend this practice of non-violence to all living things, to a large degree which makes them a very interesting religion to study and examine..

THE SECRET TO SATANISM Jennifer Garcia ABSTRACT

This presentation examines Satanism as a religion, and focuses on dismantling misconceptions.While many people believe that satanists worship the devil, they are actually atheists who only see satan as a symbol of pride, liberty, and individualism. This religion serves to encourage and enhance one’s individual preferences, so long as there is admission of those needs. This topic is an interesting one because there is a continuum of satanism that ranges from established to underground. In this presentation, I will briefly discuss the two types of satanism that I researched, one calling itself a religion which believes that Satan is real while the other consider themselves following a philosophy.

THE KOGI: AN ECOCENTRIC CULTURE IN THE FACE OF CLIMATE CHANGE Denver Rose-Harmon ABSTRACT

This presentation is an examination of Kogi culture.

Specifically, it focuses on their cosmology and sense of environmental ethics. The Kogi believe they are the elder brother of other humans and that they are responsible for the health of the Earth while other people are destroying it. This is particularly interesting because they show an

ecocentric sense of environmental ethics—meaning they see the world as an entire system in which every part is equally important. It is also of interest that the Kogi have remained very isolated, so their ecocentric views and concern with climate change are due to observation and culture, not modern ecology. The presentation focuses on how the Kogi use their connection to the cosmic mind to facilitate this environmental value in the absence of modern science and how their culture has been affected by climate change

JAINISM: HIERARCHY OF BEING Flynn Manetta-Tomlinson ABSTRACT

This presentation is regarding the Jain religion with a specific focus on the belief in a hierarchical structure that classifies all beings. Within this universal structure are three realms: an upper realm of deities, a middle realm of living beings, and a lower realm of hellish beings. Jainism is one of the world’s oldest religions, and the study of its cosmology can therefore provide much insight into the origins of the beliefs of more recently formed faiths.

Many religious topics such as heaven and hell, karma, and the concept of the soul have roots in this ancient religion.

A detailed look into this religion is very beneficial to the understanding of pillar components in religious belief.

NIHILISM: BELIEVEING IN NOT BELIEVING Dean Shearer ABSTRACT

In this presentation I aim to describe Nihilism in the context of a religion in order to identify the fundamental underpinnings of a nihilist belief system that speak to human truths (introspective), and use nihilism to better understand non-nihilistic belief systems (extrospective).

Friedrich Nietzsche’s conceptualization of Nihilism is most prominent and will be discussed in detail, however important contributions to the idea by Jean-Paul Sartre and Soren Kierkegaard will be. At its most basic definition, nihilism is the belief that existence is meaningless. While as a philosophy, it requires practitioners to subscribe to it via belief and is used to explain the human condition, the universe, and the integration of the two. Nihilism provides the introspective framework to reject deity warship, belief of the supernatural, or any faith based understanding of the universe. It is also used to explain societal moral paradoxes by providing the simple explanation that all morals are. Nihilism is the perfect “other” to better understand both “world” and “primal” religions by

creating a spectrum based on inherent meaning in a practice/warship, instead of a classification of the practice/warship itself. An in depth dissection on nihilism under a religious studies microscope will provide valuable insights about both human nature (as an individual and as a collective), and religion itself.

SEX AND RELIGION AnaCena Zander ABSTRACT

This presentation will explore the relationship between sex and religion. The subject of sex is a spectrum of acceptance and rejection when looking at all religions, but becomes much more polar when focusing on individual cultures. I have chosen to focus more on the religions that accept sex, due to the widespread belief that religions shun sexual behavior. This presentation will also serve to sexplore very specific taboos that religions have against certain sexual acts.

Photo by Belgian Chocolate

You are searching the world for treasure but the real treasure is yourself If you are tempted by bread you will find only bread.

What you seek for you become.

Rumi - Hidden Music