More ponderings on religion and The Big Religion Poll (crossposted to lagopus)
I think the world in general needs more ecstatic joy and fun. Part of the reason why I'm Pagan is that for me, the worship involves ecstasy, drumming, singing, chanting, dancing, joy.
But there's also a concept which, in my opinion, is sorely lacking in Paganism, mostly because we tend to be a bunch of really analytical and critical people (it's the questioning and skepticism and always, always searching that leads people to Pagan paths in general)...
It's that of ecstatic *devotion*. Not a blind devotion, but devotion to one's self as a part of divinity, sharing of divinity, even if it's the most scientific concept of the Universe that the pantheist bases her/his worldview on. The feeling of being so full of love you could burst, be it just trees, the wind, the night sky, or devotion to your matron/patron god/dess, the Universe Herself... I struggle with this, because it's apparently not fashionable to worship this way.
Granted, it's often associated with cults (in the pejorative) and blind faith, demands of fidelity to a God, the congregation, the Church, the sect. And criticism being absolutely and vehemently banned and persecuted.
And yet. In Hinduism there's a strong movement based on devotion, called "bhakti"--the passionate love, not based on scriptures or elaborate rituals, just overwhelming love that connects you directly to the divine. And I *like* that. When it works for me or others and does not hurt others. When it's deeply personal and your own thing, not because the Hare Krishnas or [insert sect here] indoctrinated and brainwashed you into it--it's because it's natural and flowing, and the strongest of human emotions.
Love. Ecstasy. When I dig deep enough, that's at the heart of almost every religion. Protestant Western societies are thoroughly cleansed of that, and I find it sad. Ironic, really, as most Fundamentalist Christian groups, such as the Pentecostals *do* incorporate ecstasy--singing, dancing, rousing witnessing, possession--very primitive (as in original, fundamental) and old techniques found in the oldest world religions.
So, these ponderings have made me curious, again:). Yes, I'm very curious today. So, if you consider yourself religious, or have a faith of any kind, please answer this poll. And of course, please let me know what you think in the comments. I think this is a fascinating subject. Also, if you think it's too personal, you can answer anonymously in the comments.
Atheists, of course, can skip:).
Poll Ecstasy in religion/world view
But there's also a concept which, in my opinion, is sorely lacking in Paganism, mostly because we tend to be a bunch of really analytical and critical people (it's the questioning and skepticism and always, always searching that leads people to Pagan paths in general)...
It's that of ecstatic *devotion*. Not a blind devotion, but devotion to one's self as a part of divinity, sharing of divinity, even if it's the most scientific concept of the Universe that the pantheist bases her/his worldview on. The feeling of being so full of love you could burst, be it just trees, the wind, the night sky, or devotion to your matron/patron god/dess, the Universe Herself... I struggle with this, because it's apparently not fashionable to worship this way.
Granted, it's often associated with cults (in the pejorative) and blind faith, demands of fidelity to a God, the congregation, the Church, the sect. And criticism being absolutely and vehemently banned and persecuted.
And yet. In Hinduism there's a strong movement based on devotion, called "bhakti"--the passionate love, not based on scriptures or elaborate rituals, just overwhelming love that connects you directly to the divine. And I *like* that. When it works for me or others and does not hurt others. When it's deeply personal and your own thing, not because the Hare Krishnas or [insert sect here] indoctrinated and brainwashed you into it--it's because it's natural and flowing, and the strongest of human emotions.
Love. Ecstasy. When I dig deep enough, that's at the heart of almost every religion. Protestant Western societies are thoroughly cleansed of that, and I find it sad. Ironic, really, as most Fundamentalist Christian groups, such as the Pentecostals *do* incorporate ecstasy--singing, dancing, rousing witnessing, possession--very primitive (as in original, fundamental) and old techniques found in the oldest world religions.
So, these ponderings have made me curious, again:). Yes, I'm very curious today. So, if you consider yourself religious, or have a faith of any kind, please answer this poll. And of course, please let me know what you think in the comments. I think this is a fascinating subject. Also, if you think it's too personal, you can answer anonymously in the comments.
Atheists, of course, can skip:).
Poll Ecstasy in religion/world view