Primal Religions Primal 1 2 Priorto universal religions

Primal Religions

Primal 1. 2. Prior—to ‘universal’ religions. From prehistory Primary—basic features that belong to all religions

Animism v Latin for “spirit” v Spiritual power in all things v (Think “animate”)

Animism v No single founder v Developed simultaneously in different parts of the world and currently practiced world-wide, but most common in areas of Africa and the Americas v Mostly an oral tradition of story-telling v Rituals tend to take place outdoors in nature conducted by a Shaman, Medicine Man, or Medicine Woman

Mana v Mana is the spiritual life force energy or healing power that permeates the universe, in the culture of the Melanesians and Polynesians. Anyone or thing can have Mana. It is a cultivation or possession of energy and power, rather than being a source of power. It is an intentional force

Fetish

Taboo/Tapu/Kapu v Kapu is the ancient Hawaiian code of conduct of laws and regulations. The kapu system was universal in lifestyle, gender roles, politics and religion. The concept is related to taboo and the tapu or tabu found in other Polynesian cultures. v The Hawaiian word kapu is usually translated to English as "forbidden", though it also carries the meanings of "keep out", "no trespassing", "sacred", "consecrated", or "holy".

Totem

Omens v An omen is a phenomenon that is believed to foretell the future, often signifying the advent of change. v People in ancient times believed that omens bring a divine message from their gods.

High God; Sky-god v An (Sumerian); Anu (Akkadian) v Zeus (Greek) v Shamem (Canaanite) v Jupiter ( Roman)

“Medicine Man” v v v Priest Medium Diviner Healer Shaman NOT: witch, sorcerer, or magician

Cargo Cult v. A cargo cult is a Polynesian belief system in which people practice rituals which they believe will cause a more technologically advanced society to deliver goods. v These cults were first described in Melanesia in the wake of contact with Western military forces during the Second World War.

Dimensions (Aspects) of Religion: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. Ritual (Practice) Experiential (mysterium tremendum et fascionosans; emotional) Mythic (Stories/narratives with sacred significance) Doctrinal (beliefs; philosophies) Ethical (commandments; actions; legal) Social (Institutional; Community) Material (Artistic)