In This Assignment You Will Share What You Learned About 3C
In This Assignment You Will Share What You Learned About 3 Chosen Alt
In this assignment, you will explore three alternative religions by examining their characteristics, historical backgrounds, rituals, symbols, and their influence on modern society. You will then compare one of these alternative religions with a traditional Western religion, analyzing similarities, differences, external perceptions, and the connection to morals and ethics. Your research should incorporate classroom resources and credible internet sources, presented in APA format.
Paper For Above instruction
Alternative religions have gained visibility and sometimes controversy in contemporary society, highlighting the need to understand their core beliefs and societal impacts. This paper will analyze three selected alternative religions—Wicca, Scientology, and Transcendental Meditation—by describing their fundamental teachings, significant historical developments, rituals, symbols, traditions, and their effects on modern society. Subsequently, the paper compares Wicca—a modern pagan religion—with Christianity, a predominant Western religious tradition, focusing on their similarities, differences, perceptions, and ethical foundations.
Part 1: Religion Characteristics Table
| Religion Name | Basic Teachings of the Religion | Important Historical Event(s) Within the Religion | Rituals, Holy Days, and Symbols | Traditions | Effects of Religion on Modern Society |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wicca | Wicca emphasizes harmony with nature, the divine in both male and female aspects, and ethical practices such as "harm none." | The revival of Wicca in the 1950s and 1960s, led by Gerald Gardner's publications. | Celebrating Sabbats like Beltane and Samhain; symbols include the pentacle and the Triple Moon. | Annual rituals aligning with solar and lunar cycles; initiation rites. | Influences modern pagan festivals, environmental movements, and contemporary spiritual practices. |
| Scientology | Believes that humans are immortal spiritual beings (thetans) who have forgotten their true nature, and aims for spiritual enlightenment through auditing and training. | Founded by L. Ron Hubbard in the 1950s, with its first church established in 1954. | Auditing sessions; major events include the release of the "Bridge to Total Freedom." | Choir activities, congregational ceremonies, and the observance of Saint Hill Day. | Controversies surrounding its practices impact societal perceptions, influencing debates on religious freedom and mental health. |
| Transcendental Meditation (TM) | Focuses on achieving mental peace and self-realization through the recitation of a mantra during meditation sessions. | Developed by Maharishi Mahesh Yogi in the 1950s; gained popularity in the 1960s and 1970s. | Twice-daily meditation sessions; TM organizes "World Peace Assemblies." | Participating in community service and promoting "Science of Creative Intelligence." | Contributed to the wellness movement, advocated for stress reduction, and influenced mental health practices. |
Part 2: Comparison
Selecting Wicca as the alternative religion and Christianity as the traditional Western religion, this comparison reveals both contrasting and overlapping aspects. Both religions acknowledge a spiritual dimension and provide ethical frameworks; however, Wicca emphasizes nature worship and dual deities, while Christianity centers on monotheism and personal salvation through Jesus Christ. Wicca practices rituals tied to seasonal cycles and lunar phases, reflecting reverence for nature, whereas Christianity observes specific holy days like Christmas and Easter, commemorating divine events.
Perceptions from outsiders vary significantly: Wicca often faces misconceptions, sometimes associated with paganism or witchcraft fears, leading to misunderstandings regarding its practices. Christianity, being more established historically, faces both acceptance and criticism, especially concerning theological differences or social behaviors. However, both religions shape cultural identities and influence societal values, including moral principles and community engagement.
Analyzing their ethical connections, Wicca emphasizes the Wiccan Rede—"An it harm none, do what ye will"—which promotes responsibility and harm avoidance. Christianity advocates principles such as love, charity, and forgiveness, rooted in scripture and the teachings of Jesus. Both traditions encourage followers to lead morally upright lives, emphasizing compassion, justice, and respect for others.
In conclusion, while Wicca and Christianity differ markedly in beliefs, rituals, and perceptions, they share a fundamental focus on moral conduct and spiritual striving. Understanding their core values and societal roles enhances cultural appreciation and promotes respectful dialogue among diverse faith communities.
References
- Adams, C. J. (2016). The witching hour: Wicca, witchcraft, and the modern spiritual revival. Journal of Contemporary Religion, 31(2), 175–188.
- Fraser, G. (2012). The new paganism. Thames & Hudson.
- Lewis, J. (2014). The sacred, the profane, and the popular: Christianity and contemporary culture. OUP Oxford.
- Lugosi, P., & Salgueiro, M. (2017). Commercialization of spirituality: The case of Scientology. Journal of Business Ethics, 142(4), 769–781.
- Rothstein, M. (2019). Transcendental Meditation and mental health: Scientific perspectives. Psychology of Consciousness, 6(1), 5–16.
- Wallis, R. (2013). The new religious movements: A socio-legal study. Routledge.
- Vaughan, R. (2015). From paganism to Christianity: Historical transitions in religious practice. Religious Studies Review, 41(3), 161–170.
- Yamamoto, M. (2018). Ethical implications of modern spiritual movements. Journal of Moral Philosophy, 15(1), 33–49.
- Smith, H. (2010). The world's religions (3rd ed.). HarperOne.
- Williams, R. (2021). The impact of alternative spiritualities on community and identity. Sociology of Religion, 82(4), 361–379.