Religion in the Modern World Pluralistic Society

American Movements Vedanta Society- 1 st Hindu Society in America 1894 – ISKCON Santeria- Cuban and Haitian refugees brought with them – Voodoo Mormonism- Joseph Smith Jr. 1820’s in New York Jehovah’s Witnesses- William Miller, a Baptist 1830’s predicted Christ’s return in 1843…waiting return today New Age-focus on regenerating a positive future of peace and harmony here and now – Neo Paganism; reverance for nature – Wicca; witches with reverance for nature-Goddess worship Pentecostalism- speaking in tongues

New Religious Movements Sect Religious groups in which membership is voluntary Not based on birth Accepted by society at large and by it’s predominant religions Cult Group is distinctive Oppose ordinary ways of society, and are separatist

Parliament of World Religions religions represented s of religions represented – Adopted Declaration of a Global Ethic – Common Principles: Preserving life through nonviolence Respecting all living things Dealing Honestly and fairly with one another Speaking and acting truthfully Respecting and loving one another

Modern Influences Modernization Capitalism, Materialism Population Growth, Urbanization Globalization Multiculturalism Egalitarianism

Modern Approaches Traditional Fundamental Liberal Progressive Secular Humanism Universalist New Age

Science and Religion Galileo Sir Isaac Newton Darwin “Origin of Species” 1859 Neurotheology-study of brain activity experienced during prayer etc. Big Bang theory- 13 Billion years ago matter, energy, time and space arrived. Quantum Mechanics-laws of nature not certain--- mystery persists!

Post modernism Certain aspects of modernism do not enhance quality of life rather they lead to a lack of belonging. – Capitalism – Materialism – Urbanization – Population Growth – Technology – Confidence in Science

Dialogue Ecumenism Christian Faiths Promotion of Unity Interfaith All Faiths Promotion of greater harmony between religions