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Wicca and other Neo-pagan groups (Neo-Druidism and Neo-Shamanism, etc) can be classified as a predominantly western revival of ancient, pre-Christian traditions and beliefs, redeveloping a magical view of the world again (Kyle). In ancient times, the perception of reality was largely that of nature being alive and there being hidden forces at work. It was animistic and there was a belief in mana (power and energy in objects). Practices centered around how to work those forces through divination and imitative and sympathetic magic (Christensen). With the arrival of Christianity as the dominant religion in Europe during the Middle ages, these belief systems were stamped out, oppressed, forced underground and some, ironically, were assimilated into the Christian tradition. So, one has to wonder, what facilitated the re-emergence of witchcraft and Neo-paganism in the 20th century? Had they survived throughout the centuries underground in secret societies waiting for the opportunity to resurface? Or was it that the changing religious environment in the Western world, from the late 18th century to the beginning of the New Age movement in the 60’s, that aroused an interest and curiosity in the lost arts of the Craft and other spiritual practices of old? And did any other new religious movements or fringe religions at all shape the way Neo-paganism would manifest itself when it came?
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The Influence of the Alternative Religious Tradition on New Religious Movements
Continue reading this particular essay here... As always, maintain your scholastic integrity and respect my work by not plaguarizing Thank You!
duvessadevushka added this comment 2008-09-02 21:30:14-05:00
wow, you know your stuff. do you know anything about Islam or Eastern religions? When are you putting more essays up?
duvessadevushka added this comment 2008-09-02 21:30:14-05:00
wow, you know your stuff. do you know anything about Islam or Eastern religions? When are you putting more essays up?