ANTH 302 Virtual Conference - Spring 2020

ANTHROPOLOGY OF RELIGION VIRTUAL CONFERENCE SPRING 2020 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.

CHRISTIANITY

marriage rites, confirmation, confession, prayer and the lord’s prayer and what is called Eucharist, which includes holy communion or the Lord’s Supper.

CHRIST AND THE OLD TESTAMENT CONNECTION Sarah Shafer ABSTRACT

MODERN WOMAN: AN EXPLORATION OF THE GENDER ROLES PRESENT IN MODERN DAY EVANGELICAL CHRISTIANITY IN THE UNITED STATES Riley Clark ABSTRACT

This project explores traditional gender roles within Evangelical Christianity as a whole within the United States and how they have evolved. Gender roles within Evangelical Christianity are sometimes seen as sexist and outdated in today’s times, the aim of this project is to assess the validity of that claim. Through the use of personal testimonies as well as anthropological research, the project explores and expands upon the true perspective of the modern evangelist. By attaining a deeper understanding of how gender roles function within evangelical communities, it can then lead to further discoveries about the opinions and beliefs of the community.

RITUALS OF CHRISTIANITY Cathleen Ratcliff ABSTRACT

Initially, I had made the decision to do a project on rituals and practices in religion. But because of my professor's “suggestion” to narrow the subject down and either pick one ritual or one religion. So, I settled on “Rituals of Christianity.” I chose this topic because it is something I am a little familiar with so therefore it will be easier for me to narrow the topic.

Christianity has always been a ritualistic religion, just like every other religion. I will discuss the different rituals that are fairly common in Christianity. These rituals include religious education of children, Burial rites and baptism,

This presentation examines the type and shadows of the New Testament Christ throughout the Old Testament according to Christian beliefs. With focus on the connection of Christ with the Old Testament sacrifices, Mosaic Tabernacle, the oneness of the Godhead deity in accordance to the Christian faith, and foreshadowing of the Messiah and its ties with the salvation plan of the New Testament in accordance to the Christian belief. This presentation examines the Bible from the view of it being a story of a God and his attempt at reconnecting with his people after a fall in the Garden separated them from him.

FROM THE RIB: CHRISTIANITY AND MISOGYNY Autumn Sturges ABSTRACT

My presentation is one about the underlying misogyny that is inherent in Christian mythos, specifically stories in the bible: the creation myth, the fall of man, the subsequent role of women due to that fall, and apostle Paul's feelings toward women. This is a topic dear to me because, I was raised on these beliefs and I genuinely believe that it made me fear feminism and undermine my role as a woman in life. Though it is not the official religion of the country, many Christians in America use their religion as a starting point for the creation of laws in this country without thinking about the underlying biases.

ASIAN

This presentation is focused on Shinto, specifically the kami, shrines, and the mythology surrounding them. As Japan's indigenous religion (with more than 100 million practitioners), studying Shinto provides us with more understanding of Japanese culture, both past and present.

The ancient yet diverse sets of ideas, rituals, and beliefs of Shinto adherents offer keen insights into Japan's history, and help us learn more about the nation's culture and its people.

TAOISM: THE SEARCH FOR LONGEVITY AND IMMORTALITY Dawn Erickson ABSTRACT This presentation examines Taoism with a focus on the search for longevity and immortality. According to philosophical and religious Taoism and the Taoist Canon, longevity and immortality can be achieved in many ways that include specific practices. Taoist cosmology and belief in energies has a lot to do with how these practices and rituals are carried out. Overall, there are a lot of aspects of Taoism, spanning from the practical applications that people have adopted all over the world to the more mystical, magical, and metaphysical side that is deeply embedded in Chinese history.

Photo by Topinambour YOKAI FROM PAST TO PRESENT Leslie Bibaud ABSTRACT

This presentation will explore the cultural significance of yokai in Japan. With origins in Shintoism, yokai have expanded past religious figures. Yokai are, essentially, spirits of different forms that have influenced and taken part in many aspects of japanese culture. This presentation will cover the basics of Shintoism and its place in japanese society from the past through present, with a focus on yokai. This presentation will also cover the origins of different yokai and their purpose, from warnings to blessings. It will also show how yokai are an ever present function within Japanese society, and how yokai have been "created" from the past to as recent as the last decade.

SHINTO - KAMI, SHRINES, AND MYTHOLOGY William LeFils ABSTRACT

SHINTO AS A FORMAL RELIGION Miranda Tanforan ABSTRACT No abstract

BUDDHISM

In North India, sixth century B.C.E., the teachings of a man named Siddhartha Gautama or “Shakyamuni” were first delivered to five men. From this personal revelation came a mass effect of a shared human experience. A shift from belief in a divine God to a mere human experience that does not promise the gifts of eternity after death, but promises freedom from suffering in the present moment struck the followers of the “Buddha”, literally translating to the awakened one. Centuries later, a world away, modern-day practices of the religion of Buddhism exist, however, the original teachings of Siddhartha Gautama are not completely reflected by those who practice. Though sharing notions with the ancient practice of the “middle path”, modern day New Age practices often borrow from, but do not entail traditional Buddhism. This presentation aims to examine the differences of practice therein, and what separates religion from personal belief.

Photo by Aleksander Dragnes BUDDHIST MEDITATION AND MINDFULNESS

AN INTRO TO BUDDHISM Tesla Lackey

Myah Baisch

ABSTRACT

ABSTRACT This photo essay examines the Buddhist religion, and more specifically focuses upon the practice of meditation and mindfulness. When one practices meditation with the technique of mindfulness, they learn to reach a level of awareness and a state of calmness and peacefulness. This is an interesting topic, because most people live their lives over scheduled, rushing from one activity to the next without stopping to breathe and appreciate life.

Meditation and mindfulness can bring us awareness and calmness in our hectic, busy lives. By understanding more about this practice, we can learn a lot about Buddhism.

My presentation is on Buddhism, a religion that has been around for over a quarter of a century and it experienced all over the world as the fourth most-practiced religion. For my presentation, I intend to focus on the history of how Buddhism came to be along with its core belief systems and values. Due to Buddhism being an ancient religion it is practiced in many forms, my presentation will cover the three main types of Buddhism that are specific to different areas around the world. The individuals that teach the traditions of Buddhism, Monks, will also be discussed and how they continue to live on, dedicating their lives to the teachings of the Buddha.

THE PERSONALIZATION OF A RELIGION: BUDDHISM AND MODERN NEW AGE PRACTICE Caitlan Gundert ABSTRACT

BUDDHISM AS A WORLD RELIGION Larissa Carvalho ABSTRACT No abstract

ORIGINS OF BUDDHISM AND TIBET BUDDHISMN INTRO TO BUDDHISM John O’Conner ABSTRACT

PAGANISM & WICCA

This presentation examines the origins of buddhism, looking deeper into Tibet's view on buddhism and their practices. In this presentation, I look into the symbols of Tibetan Buddhism and what their meanings are as well as their culture, animals (spiritual), and cosmological beliefs.

Besides that specific region, I look into the origins of buddhism, schools of buddhism, and core principles such as the noble eightfold path, four noble truths, and three universal truths. This was an interesting topic since I don’t know a lot about this religion and I look into a specific culture and region of this religion to gain a perspective

THE WAYS OF BUDDHISM AND ACHIEVING HAPPINESS Milford Wilson ABSTRACT The topic I will be focusing on is the way Buddhism is used to help one achieve their own happiness. Which in Buddhism goes by the idea of liberating through the desires that lead them astray from gaining such a foundation. Since there is no true divine that will make one happy and prosperous Buddhism leaves the responsibility of getting it all to you. I will go into detail of this presentation discussing the ideology of Buddhism happiness and how many that follow this teachings go by obtaining it

Photo by MarcelGermain WICCA: CELEBRATING LUNAR TRANSFORMATION THROUGH RITUAL CEREMONY Zoe Bullard ABSTRACT Wiccan spirituality, or witchcraft, is a polytheistic religion focused on the transformative cycles of nature and human life.

Worshiping Goddesses and Gods, they practice without a formal structure through rituals, magic and acts of meditation or prayer. Wicca is a modern day revival of Pagan religions, drawing on the outlines of Shamanism and pre-Christian Europe. Within my photo essay I will analyze the importance of the lunar calendar of eight

sabbats within ritual ceremonies. Also, discussing the creation of sacred landscapes and the use of magic within these ceremonies.

Through images, I will show the preparation and practice of casting ritual magic and calling on the deities for sacred celebrations.

DECOLONIZING COLONIAL POWER: THE YUROK’S STORY OF CULTURAL REVITALIZATION Adrienne Banh ABSTRACT

Through the history of mass genocide and destruction from white colonial hegemony, most, if not all, indigenous communities fell into the disparity of stolen land, culture, and identity. However, with retributions and intergenerational trauma, tribes, along with the Yurok Tribe, rose with resiliency. Generations after generations, they are revitalizing and rediscovering their native roots.

Through the journey of spiritually connecting to their ancestors and sacred myths, they are reclaiming their power. In this essay, we will travel with the Yurok's course of history, as well as learning their ceremonial rituals and its connection to the appreciation of nature, the symbolic meaning of salmon, and how the issues of Yurok sovereignty remains pervasive.

PAGANISM: DOES A FEMALE BASED SPIRITUALITY HELP HEAL THE PLANET? Jamie Kessloff ABSTRACT

This presentation explores the Pagan spiritual path, with a focus on why it is a matriarchal based spirituality. In our United States, where we are used to having religions and governments be male based, it is refreshing to delve into an ancient matriarchal religion that has surpassed time. The male energy is greatly revered in Paganism as well, and most often seen as equal and balancing to the feminine. We will look at the Pagan view of how interacting with all forms of life daily, with the qualities of the feminine creates a less capitalist run culture that is more conducive to healthy people, ecosystems and future generations sustainability. As well as their take on how the male energy has been misused and how they honor and celebrate it.

We’ll also take a glimpse into ancient Paganism versus modern Paganism, shining light onto how its divine feminine roots have shifted or not, and how Pagans practices tune them into the Earth's cycles, season’s, and needs, which they see as a microcosm that lends reflection to their own individual needs, cycles, and relationships to all life.

RITUAL AND FESTIVALS OF NEOPAGANISM Autumn Ossello ABSTRACT

Neopaganism has a rich and diverse history with roots in many sectors of loosely related theologies. This group of beliefs are defined as communities of spiritual regeneration that aim to revitalize and practice aspects of pre-Christian polytheistic faith. With a focus on the Neopaganist community in North America, this presentation looks at the structure of festival events and their components in relation to Neopagan ideology, and explores the rituals surrounding seasonal and yearly cycles marked by the equinox and solstices. By learning more about Pagan beliefs and the movements reinvigorating Neopaganism, we can go beyond the distortion and misinformation portrayed by the media and monotheistic ideology.

THE DYING OF THE LIGHT: NORSE PAGANISM AND THE SEASONS Lydia Short ABSTRACT

This presentation focuses on the relationship between old Norse paganism and the people who practiced the religion at its peak, with a specific focus on how those people used the religion’s myths to perceive and explain their daily world. Specifically, the presentation will focus on one myth in particular, the legend of Balder’s death, and explain its significance in both the daily cycle of dark and light, and the yearly cycle of the seasons. Because the distinction between summer and winter was so severe in the region the people of Norse paganism lived, understanding the connection they drew between their gods and the weather will better help us to understand the importance of those gods to their people.

HINDUISM

that God can take up any form to find a way to reach his followers. Also, how important it is to follow Dharma,Artha, Kama and Moksha.

SYMBOLS WITHIN HINDUISM Taylor Simmons ABSTRACT This presentation is meant to examine the different symbols within Hinduism. The main symbols I will be analyzing is cows, the Om, the lotus, and the swastika. All of these symbols represent different things and aspects of the religion. Cows are a symbol of life, the Om is a symbol of meditation and is included in every prayer, the lotus is a symbol meant to represent Vishnu and other Gods/deities, and the swastika which represents good luck and fortune.

These symbols all vary in meaning but they are all just as important in the overall balance of life. Understanding these symbols and their roles helps to better understand Hinduism.

ISLAM

Photo by Graham Hills NAVATARI A CELEBRATION Antonio Ruvalcaba ABSTRACT No Abstract

HINDUISM: A WAY OF LIFE Rosalina Ortega ABSTRACT

This presentation explains and examains Hinduism. How this religion is more than just a religion but a way of life for their followers. It is the worlds oldest religion that has no specific founder. The followers of this religion follow many phrases that hold these philosophies that they apply to their everyday life. This is an interesting topic because it explains how animals have souls and it is important to respect them, which is called atman. Hinduism believes

Photo by seier+seier

BLACK MUSLIMS IN AMERICA Ruben Parks ABSTRACT

THE AMERICAS

This presentation examines the religion of Islam, specifically the African American percentage. It is mentioning the history of the first black Muslims and also black Muslims that we see in the limelight today. This presentation also covers the many prejudices of being a black Muslim in today’s society. This specific group of people are very different than your common Americans.

This is an interesting topic because black people are often targeted in today’s society along with Muslim people, so being a black Muslim in today’s society must be twice as hard.

THE VAST SCOPE OF ISLAM Ceasar Orozco ABSTRACT

This presentation examines different aspects of the Islamic faith along with an overview of the faith from a broad perspective. The beginning will consist of the description and explanation of Islamic practices such as prayer, how often, what types of prayers, the Five Pillars, and other Islamic texts. I proceed to speak about the view of a typical citizen in the United States of a person amongst the Islamic faith along with how Islam influences health decisions amongst U.S. based followers. I compare the narrative in the United States to the Islamic narrative in Europe referencing two articles regarding their representation and why people convert to Islam and how they are radicalized.

To understand Islam more in-depth, I began to take a look at how the faith can impact an economy of a country as well as taking a look at the role women play in Islam and how they are being treated. I also give a brief overview of how Islam came into collaboration with the Middle Eastern government and its quick rise in the '70s.

Photo by Drew Zanki TWO-SPIRIT IDENTITIES: AMONG NATIVE RELIGIONS Elizabeth Offill-Jackson ABSTRACT

Much of my topic has to do with acceptance and gender understanding. Many native cultures have had or currently have much different gender roles and ideas than those of our western societies. I look into how culture and acceptance was changed by oppressions of many different kinds.

A LOOK INTO CUBAN SANTERIA Hanna Alvarado ABSTRACT

In this presentation, we will examine the religion of Cuban Santeria more specifically its syncretic nature. I will explain how two different religions merged to create a new one. I will explain. Then I will discuss what the people who follow this religion believe in and some of the practices and rituals that they take part in. Lastly, I will discuss how Santeria can be seen as a primal religion that is converting into a world religion.

KILL TO LIVE, KEEP THINGS PROPER, TALK TO ME: THE YUROK AND THEIR TRADITIONS Elizabeth Earle-Rouse ABSTRACT

The Yurok are a tribe of Native American Indians located in Northwest California on and near the Klamath River.

Their religion and tradition revolve around a belief that it is their duty to fix the world. This is achieved in their culture by ‘training’, and by the traditional Jump Dance, a ten-day event in which the world is cleansed. Though the traditional regalia, dances, songs and prayers are the Yuroks and theirs alone, their perspective on life is one that can be admired and propagated by anyone who respects responsibility, and their values can be easily integrated into modern life.

COSTUMBRE, MAYA RITUAL CONTINUITY Kelsey Bosch ABSTRACT

Costumbre represents a set of beliefs and practices to the people of Mesoamerica and costumbristas are people who follow the religion. (Mackenzie, 2016:61) In historical and modern perspectives, there are sacred spaces of worship like caves and mountains that connect to their history.

When colonialism invaded the areas of Mesoamerica, Catholic churches placed their structures on top of pyramids and places of pilgrimage. Religious practitioners work to mend conflicts of opposite perspectives and put emphasis on the body and the effects of external conditions. They pray to Maya deities and also say Catholic hymns in Spanish and K’iche’, one of the native Mayan languages. (Mackenzie, 2016:99) There is a “pan-Mayan movement” in the Mesoamerica region (Samson, 2017:28), that seeks to unite people of shared cultural history and ancestry with the dualism of western ideology of no agency and indigenious beliefs including animism. (HarrisonBuck, 2012:65) The costumbristas of Maya heritage practice ritual continuity with an intermix of religions and connect globalization with tradition.

HUMAN SACRIFICE CEREMONIES IN THE AZTEC EMPIRE Savannah Valdez ABSTRACT

This presentation examines the ancient Aztec religion, and more specifically focuses on the human sacrifice ceremonies that were often performed. There were many reasons for human sacrifice, with two of main ones being the intimidation of enemies and citizens and repayment to the gods for creating the Earth, sun, and humankind. This is an interesting topic because the recent excavation of Templo Mayor gives new insight into the lives of the Aztec people in their capital of Tenochtitlan before the Spanish destroyed the city to create what is now Mexico city. Until recently, the Spanish people’s recount of the human sacrifice practices performed by the Aztecs were seen as exaggerated, but now it seems that they contain more truth than once thought.

RELIGIOUS PRACTICES OF THE YUROK TRIBE Fiona Roper ABSTRACT

This presentation examines the religious practices of the Yurok Tribe, focusing on how colonialism has affected the way their religion influences and participates in the Yurok culture. This is an interesting and important topic as most indigenous tribes have been negatively affected by colonialism and it is important for us to understand how that has affected their traditions and cultures. The rituals traditionally followed and performed by the Yurok Tribe are presented and contrasted by how they are currently practiced. By understanding the traditional rituals and religious practices of the Yurok Tribe and culture, we can more clearly see how colonialism has affected this aspect of their culture.

THE COMANCHE WAY Ries Ruehrwein ABSTRACT

Hunt Buffalo and start wars; this is the Comanche way.

Look closer and you will come upon a rich yet brutal culture that fascinates historians. When you think about the Native Americans that played such a vital role in the battle against foreign settlement in America you are thinking about the Comanche. This paper will examine Comanche history, culture, and religion as well as how these elements

intertwined with each other. It is impossible to look at one part of this trio of culture, religion, and history without bumping into another.

THE SATANIC TEMPLE: RELIGION OR POLITICAL ACTIVISM? Chrisopher Fabbri ABSTRACT

MAYAN RELIGION AND THE ENVIRONMENT Willem Kernkamp ABSTRACT No Abstract

SANTA MUERTE Victor Vasquez ABSTRACT No Abstract

OTHER

This presentation introduces the religious beliefs and practices of The Satanic Temple (TST). This relatively new religion founded in 2013 is gaining traction with reports of over 50,000 followers worldwide. A focus is placed on how TST defines itself as a religion in addition to their heavily politicized agenda. TST is most known for their political involvement in issues regarding the separation of church and state, promoting religious pluralism, and protecting women’s reproductive rights.

JUDAISM: RITUALS AND PRACTICES Victoria Alvarez-Conn ABSTRACT

This presentation will explore the many different rituals and practices that come from the Jewish religion and community. This religion holds certain criteria to be accepted into it, and it also maintains specific rules about how one must eat, live, and pray. Certain aspects of the religion have been integrated into parts of the world other than Israel due its popularity. We will examine the roots of these practices and rituals to get a better understanding of their purpose and their derivation.

SCIENCE OR ASTOROLOGY Helen Acosta

Photo by birdfarm

ABSTRACT Astrology has been increasing in its followers and demand in pop culture as it is constantly published in tabloids and social media in the form of your weekly horoscopes. In this presentation, I have examined the origins and beliefs of astrology in addition to the debate of whether or not it is scientifically proven.

Astrology is a set of cosmological beliefs in the influence the movement of the stars and planets have on the behavior and life events of individuals based on their astrological sign. As it has picked up a following globally, it has been claimed that it is based on science which may increase credibility to its followers. However, scientists have named astrology as a

pseudoscience contrary to what many believe.

Understanding what may be considered scientific or not is important when it comes to informing the general public on religious claims.

THE DEVELOPMENT OF JUDAISM AND ITS CONFLICTS

Carlos Lemus

ABSTRACT This presentation examines the first Abrahamic religion of Judaism. The religion of Judaism has experienced several challenges throughout its development, with the Catholic Church having an impact of creating anti-Semitism that would result in the tragedy event known as the Holocaust.

Antisemitism would leave an impact on Judaism's development and the followers. There has been a tension between Judaism and Christianity despite the similarities they have. The destruction of the Second Temple would be another early event that would demonstrate the tension between these two monotheistic religions. In understanding the tension that these two religions have, we can observe the influence that it has had in Judaism and its followers today.

JUDAISM AND THE ORTHODOX DENOMINATION Edden Marquez ABSTRACT This presentation looks at Judaism as a religion, focusing specifically upon the Orthodox denomination. The Orthodox denomination of Judaism is one of the most popular and well known in the US. Orthodox Judaism is presented as a strict interpretation of the Torah, keeping the old traditions of the religion. I find this interesting because society has become more secular, and many religions have tried to adapt to modern times, yet Orthodox Jews keep many of the old traditions with few adaptations.

How is this denomination different from the others and how does it stay relevant in changing times?

THE MAORI OF NEW ZEALAND. “THE WAR DANCE AND THE WAY IT TRANSFORMED. Jennifer Kertz ABSTRACT

This presentation examines the Māori culture of New Zealand and specifically focuses on the war dance (or Haka) that has been transformed over generations and manifests a new meaning. Overtime, the haka evolved, and it came to be used for more than just battles. It became a way for communities to come together and it was a symbol for community and strength. My Pecha Kucha explains the culture from the beginning of the “war culture” and then slowly transforms into a “ceremony culture” that makes the dance into more of a loving and joyful way of showing their emotions by storytelling! This is an interesting topic because the Māori use tourism to proclaim their storytelling by not explaining their past like we are used to but by showing everyone through dance and facial expression.

WITCHCRAFT THROUGHOUT DIFFERENT CULTURES Sherry Deaquino ABSTRACT

Witchcraft has always been seen as a taboo topic throughout history. However, it is present in many cultures and seen in various places around the world. It has also proved to be a religion and belief that has surpassed the test of time. An example that proves this is how witchcraft is still very prominent is in various Latin cultures. It is called Brujeria and its practices are still present, and very commonly seen in North, and South America. Not all regions have the same practices or beliefs, but are commonly bunched together and ostracized. Within this photo essay I hope to show the various differences within regions, as well as show similarities towards other popular religions.

SERVING THE SPIRITS: EXPLORING THE LOA OF HAITIAN VODOU Madison Pope ABSTRACT

This presentation examines the religion of Haitian Vodou, focusing on the important role of the loa and how they are communicated with by vodou practitioners. The loa are intermediary spirits that bridge the gap between the sacred and profane worlds and are called upon and served by vodouisants, or vodou followers, in exchange for advice or protection. Unlike other religions, the loa are not just

prayed to, but are served with worldly gifts such as food, drink, and tobacco, with each loa requiring a unique altar full of their favorite items in order to make an appearance during rituals. As they are the connection between practitioners and the main deity, Bondye, the loa are vital to understanding Haitian vodou culture.

THE IMPORTANCE OF FAMILY IN MORMONISM. Seaney Shell ABSTRACT

This presentation looks at the basic values of Mormonism and how they tie in to family, and family life. Through both small aspects of many rites and the more concrete practice of marriage rites. By very briefly examining these rites and the place in the Mormon faith they hold, we are able to ascertain the value the Mormon faith puts in family. And they ways in which that core belief has affected the growth of the religion over time. We also talk about some minor political troubles the Mormon church has faced and the way they are related if not immediately apparent to family values.

MORMONISM AND GENDER ROLES Alexandra Ponko ABSTRACT

This presentation examines Mormonism and more specifically the different roles gender plays throughout The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. This new worldwide religion has firmly committed to traditional gender roles with men as the predominant authority figure at the church and women being the predominant homemaker who raises children. This is an interesting topic because the Mormon church often gets a lot of heat for their traditional values especially with their history of encouraging polygamy. Gender roles have been such an integral part of their history that as we move into a more contemporary society, it will be interesting to see how their values and beliefs change with time. By understanding the way Mormons view gender roles, the more we can understand the underlying belief systems and origins of LDS.

EXPLORING SHAMANISM THROUGH VARIOUS CULTURES; HISTORY, WITCHCRAFT MISCONCEPTIONS, AND THE TRUTH Jordyn Story ABSTRACT This presentation examines the religious and spiritual practices involved in Shamanism, and more specifically focuses upon the truth of Shamanism through various cultural lenses.

While Shamanic practices vary from one region to the next, there are many overarching similarities and connections that relate the cultures to each other. The overall reasons these practices exist are to contribute to the healing and self-growth of individuals through ritual practices and the entering of trance states. This connects the Shaman to the spirits of the afterworld with a purpose of healing something in the present world. This could be on a personal level or more broad community and environmental level. This is an interesting topic because there are many misconceptions about Shamans and witchcraft amongst different cultures; many people would enjoy a presentation on the history and truth of these practices over time. By understanding more about the ways in which these practices vary throughout different regions, we can learn a lot about how to integrate beliefs and mindsets towards a more holistic society.

THE EMERGENCE AND ORIGINS OF HUMANISTIC JUDAISM Asher Budnik ABSTRACT No Abstract

THE GLOBALIZATION OF THE VIRGIN OF GUADALUPE Kira Stanley ABSTRACT

This presentation delves into the globalization of The Virgin of the Immaculate Conception, specifically Our Lady of Guadalupe. The Virgin Mary, The Virgin of Guadalupe, Our Lady of Lourdes are all names for similar images with similar meaning. However these are all seen in different cultures and religions and all with different background stories. What is the reasoning for syncretism and globalization of this woman? Researching this topic can give us a better understanding of how religious images evolve to fit into peoples history and how an image can bring us all together.

INTERNAL & EXTERNAL PERCEPTIONS OF SCIENTOLOGY Ashley Teeter ABSTRACT

My goal in this presentation is to discuss the history structure and practices of Scientology, both as viewed from within and outside the church. Like other fringe religions Scientology is shrouded in speculation, leaving many questions. Is Scientology a religion or is it a cult?

Are people who practice Scientology brainwashed or just doing what feels right for them? Was Scientology’s founder L. Ron Hubbard a Genius, or a madman fueled by narcissistic rage? The story being told is so different from those on the inside compared to those on the outside, making it an excellent opportunity to closely examine what we know about Scientology from different sources.

TATTOOING CULTURE WITHIN THE KALINGA SOCIETY Aaron Tacub ABSTRACT

The presentation discusses the Kalinga Tattoo Culture, where it will focus on the history of the Kalinga society pre-colonial Philippines through concepts surrounding their society, ceramics, politics and subsistence. The tattoo culture are symbols representing different meanings such as protection, warriors, beauty, etc. It is a part of their religion and through the tools and process give identities and meanings to the culture. There is a beauty aesthetic to all the different symbols and meanings that men and women encompass onto their bodies. Though it

is not as common in modern time in the Philippines, Whang-od who is the last Mambabatok or tattoo practitioner of this art. It still being practiced, it is not seen as traditional in modern times because it doesn’t embody the same religion/culture concepts as it did in the past.

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