DOCSLIB.ORG

Alvin E. Cook

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Alvin E. Cook Volume 58. Number 41 Price Id. Warburton, Victoria, October 11, 1943 UR world has lost its faith. We crises of our uncertain existence, the are bankrupt of confidence. The ALVIN E. COOK heartaches aid the cares, are the out- O despairing cry of human souls ward urge to obey Heaven's summons who, in the tempest of life, have lost to come, to call, to find deliverance. their anchor, is frequently heard: "I by which the ship is guided across the The great heart of our world civi- once believed in God. I attended church deep. His mind knows no care, his lization is bleeding. In every part of regularly, but I'm through with it all emotions are subject to no fear. But the globe the life's blood of human now." one day, dark clouds appear. A howl- happiness is flowing deeply down the "I once believed in God and attended ing gale arises and lashes the sea into gutters of despair. Men and women, church regularly." That was in the its most furious mood. Distress sig- looking out on a world of hate, become days of comparative peace preceding nals reach the ship from several of bitter because they fail to find the the present avalanche of ruin and its neighbours who are going down in evidence of a God of love. There are destruction. But now that the war- the angry waters. Should our tourist abundant evidences of the love of God. clouds throw their shadows over us, trust himself still to the experienced But we must remember that the god now that human lives are being daily captain and the ship, or should he that the world has chosen is Satan. extinguished by the thousand, now jump overboard and swim for it? He is "the god of this world." 2 Cor. that homes and cities are being turned Foolish question! I agree; but 4: 4. He is the sinister power whom overnight into shattered wastes, "I listen! In spiritual spheres today this so many are worshipping and follow- refuse to believe in a God of love with very thing is being enacted before our ing. All who choose to serve Christ, power to rule in the kingdom of men !" eyes in the name of common sense and to join His kingdom, automatically be- Let me illustrate the reasoning: A logic. Many, intimidated by the storms come aliens in an enemy land. Small man sets out on a long sea voyage. of life, are relinquishing their faith wonder, then, that the true Christian For weeks the sea remains calm and in the Captain of our Salvation; they so often is harassed and even perse- travelling is pleasant. The tourist are jumping overboard to battle in cuted. builds up an absolute confidence in their own puny strength with the swell- Two thousand years ago, our glo- the captain, the ship, and the charts ing waves and adverse tides of sin. rious Commander, the leader of the It is exactly the reverse of that forces of heaven, came to this realm which God has counselled us to do. on a mission of conquest. His object In the words of the Psalmist He ad- was to smash the opposition of the vises: "And call upon Me in the day enemy. The plan, revealed in Col. 1: of trouble: I will deliver thee." Ps. 20, is a paradox in the science of war- 50: 15. This is a day of unprecedented fare. "Having made peace by the trouble, a day of distress and per- blood of His cross." Peace by blood! plexity. But the troubles of life, the Peace by a cross! But more than that, 41. • ILLUSTRATION: A BISLEY LIGHT BOMBER AND ITS CREW IN SILHOUETTE. [Registered at the G.P.O., Melbourne, for transmission by post as a newspaper.] 3 WA V! IN I JEAN, WIMP I1, Peace by the blood of His cross. Peace summons. The important thing is to may have right to the tree of life, and by sacrifice, not by destruction. Man- respond. may enter in through the gates into kind invariably makes peace by the The Word of God indicates that a the city." Rev. 22: 14. blood of enemies, but here we have number will respond. John gives a We can never keep God's holy law a different principle at work. Peace picture of them in Rev. 14: 12: "Here unless we have approached it through by the blood of His cross. And it is are they that keep the commandments the portal shadowed by the cross; and the only foundation for lasting peace of God, and the faith of Jesus." In we cannot enter the pearly gates un- which this world will ever know. this troubled world, they indeed have less we have approached them through The peace which the nations make peace. the path of His commandments. The by the blood of the enemy is imposed, The pathway of His commandments people with the commandments of God arbitrary, short-lived; while it does is not only a pathway of peace, but and the faith of Jesus will have the last it amounts to no more than a ces- also leads us to the glory gates of the right to enter in, and they will enter sation of open hostilities. But the kingdom of God. "Blessed are they in, and there they will find the fullness peace purchased by the blood of His that do His commandments, that they of the promised rest and peace. cross never forces itself upon us. It is voluntary, optional, and free indeed. That is why so many people are miss- ing it today, they do not put in their Tithing in All Ages claim for it. "Ye have not, because ye ask not," says James: which is the Bible Study No. 48. same as saying that we may certainly have that peace even in these dark 1. SINCE tithing is based on the 3. Tithing was obligatory in the days of despair, if we will but ask. right of ownership, and since God, by patriarchal age, for we find that Abra- See James 4: 2. virtue of creation, owns the earth and ham and Jacob paid tithe. Gen. 14: Three thousand years ago the ser- all in it, therefore it follows that man 18-20; 28: 20-22. vant of God, Elijah, stood on Horeb's ought to pay rent for the use of His rocky summit. A great and strong property till God gives man possession 4. It was likewise obligatory upon wind rent the mount, but God was not of the earth at the end of probation, Israel before Christ. Lev. 27: 30, 32; in the wind: after the wind, an earth- according to His promise. Rom. 4: 13; Num. 18: 21. quake, but the Lord was not in the Gal. 3:29; Matt. 25: 34. 5. Christ taught that all ought to earthquake: and after the earthquake, continue to pay a faithful tithe, even a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. 2. It will furthermore be necessary to pay tithe as long as God has His of garden herbs; hence the tithing Our world is racked by the winds chosen servants to preach the gospel system is binding during the Chris- of strife, burned by the fires of envy, of the kingdom, whom He pays out of tian dispensation. Matt. 23: 23. ruined by the volcanic eruptions of the tithing fund. 1 Cor. 9: 13, 14; 6. The New Testament ministers the pent-up forces of hate; the deafen- Num. 18: 21. ing din rouses even those who dwell were supported upon the same plan carelessly in the isles, from the peace- as the Levites; viz., by the tithe. 1 Cor. ful tenor of their dreams. But the 9: 13, 14; Num. 18: 21; Heb. 7: 8. Lord is not in the mighty upheaval or 7. Those who have used the tithe for the consuming conflagration — these themselves, ought to add one-fifth, or are the work of another power. And 20 per cent, when they pay it back to yet, through it all, the still small voice the Lord. Lev. 27: 31. of God is sounding, "Call upon Me: . I will deliver thee." We, like 8. When one pays a faithful tithe, Elijah, must not be moved by the he thereby says that God owns the mighty demonstrations of destruction, earth and everything in it. but like him, we must respond to the 9. But when anyone does not pay still small voice and to that voice alone. tithes he virtually says that God has "And thine ears shall hear a word no claim upon him, but that he himself behind thee, saying, This is the way, owns all that he possesses, unless he walk ye in it." Isa. 30: 21. God is believes that Satan's claim to own the calling today, and all who will may earth is true and valid, in which case enter the path of peace, through the he ought, if honest, to pay Satan for blood of His cross. The path of peace gAe .eatcl'a Netitage the use of his property. Luke 4: 5, 6. is the path of His commandments, the 10. During the Jewish dispensation path of perfect obedience to His law. ALICE L. CROSBIE "Great peace have they which love Thy we find that the Levites also received law: and nothing shall offend them." The day is done. various offerings and gifts besides the Ps. 119: 165.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Will ETI Contact Put an End to Our World's Religions? by Ted Peters
    2011 MUFON Symposium “ET Contact: Implications for Science and Society” Will ETI Contact Put an End to our World’s Religions? by Ted Peters Abstract: What will happen to Earth’s religions once we’ve made contact with an extraterrestrial civilization? Will confirmation of ETI cause terrestrial religion to collapse? “No” is the answer based upon a summary of the “Peters ETI Religious Crisis Survey.” “No” is also the prevailing--though not the only—answer we get from theologians, who for the most part welcome their space neighbors. Religious believers are much more ready to share a pew with an alien than we might expect. In addition to institutionalized religions, this paper will also look at the religious dimension to culture, especially at the ETI Myth, shared by SETI astrobiologists, UFO researchers, and the wider culture. The ETI Myth along with the UFO Myth speculate that evolutionary progress has led extraterrestrial civilizations to higher intelligence, better science, and more advanced spirituality and morality. This means ET could redeem Earth from its penchant for warfare and self-destruction. This belief is a myth whether it is held by scientists or religious believers or both. Ted Peters teaches systematic theology at Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary and the Graduate Theological Union in Berkeley, California. He co-edits the journal, Theology and Science, at the Center for Theology and the Natural Sciences. He is a former Louisiana State Director for MUFON. He has recently served as consultant to NASA and SETI on the ethics of planetary protection. He is the author of UFOs—GOD’s Chariots? Flying Saucers in Politics.
    [Show full text]
  • Bibliography of Occult and Fantastic Beliefs Vol.4: S - Z
    Bruno Antonio Buike, editor / undercover-collective „Paul Smith“, alias University of Melbourne, Australia Bibliography of Occult and Fantastic Beliefs vol.4: S - Z © Neuss / Germany: Bruno Buike 2017 Buike Music and Science [email protected] BBWV E30 Bruno Antonio Buike, editor / undercover-collective „Paul Smith“, alias University of Melbourne, Australia Bibliography of Occult and Fantastic Beliefs - vol.4: S - Z Neuss: Bruno Buike 2017 CONTENT Vol. 1 A-D 273 p. Vol. 2 E-K 271 p. Vol. 3 L-R 263 p. Vol. 4 S-Z 239 p. Appr. 21.000 title entries - total 1046 p. ---xxx--- 1. Dies ist ein wissenschaftliches Projekt ohne kommerzielle Interessen. 2. Wer finanzielle Forderungen gegen dieses Projekt erhebt, dessen Beitrag und Name werden in der nächsten Auflage gelöscht. 3. Das Projekt wurde gefördert von der Bundesrepublik Deutschland, Sozialamt Neuss. 4. Rechtschreibfehler zu unterlassen, konnte ich meinem Computer trotz jahrelanger Versuche nicht beibringen. Im Gegenteil: Das Biest fügt immer wieder neue Fehler ein, wo vorher keine waren! 1. This is a scientific project without commercial interests, that is not in bookstores, but free in Internet. 2. Financial and legal claims against this project, will result in the contribution and the name of contributor in the next edition canceled. 3. This project has been sponsored by the Federal Republic of Germany, Department for Social Benefits, city of Neuss. 4. Correct spelling and orthography is subject of a constant fight between me and my computer – AND THE SOFTWARE in use – and normally the other side is the winning party! Editor`s note – Vorwort des Herausgebers preface 1 ENGLISH SHORT PREFACE „Paul Smith“ is a FAKE-IDENTY behind which very probably is a COLLCETIVE of writers and researchers, using a more RATIONAL and SOBER approach towards the complex of Rennes-le-Chateau and to related complex of „Priory of Sion“ (Prieure de Sion of Pierre Plantard, Geradrd de Sede, Phlippe de Cherisey, Jean-Luc Chaumeil and others).
    [Show full text]
  • Ancient Astronaut« Narrations
    Marburg Journal of Religion: Volume 11, No. 1 (June 2006) »Ancient Astronaut« Narrations A Popular Discourse on Our Religious Past1 Andreas Grünschloß Abstract: In their typical explanatory and unveiling gesture, the narrations about Ancient Astronauts have become a popular myth about our religious past. Nowadays, these narrations are often contained in a specific genre of literature on the alternative bookshelves, and a gigantic theme park in Interlaken (“Mystery Park”) is staging some of its basic ideas. This Ancient Astronaut discourse owes much to Swiss-born Erich von Däniken, to be sure, but it can be traced back to the earlier impact of Charles Fort and his iconoclastic books about “damned data” – anomalistic sightings and findings which an ignorant science deliberately seemed to “exclude”. Since then, the “Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence in Ancient Times” (Paleo-SETI or PSETI) has become a popular “research” subject, leading not only to various publications in many languages of the world, but also to lay-research organizations and conventions. – The paper tries to identify the major themes, motivations and argumentative strategies in the Ancient Astronauts discourse, as well as its typical oscillation between an ‘alternative science’ and manifest esotericism. With its ‘neo-mythic’ activity (ufological Euhemerism, re-enchantment of heaven, foundation myth for modernity, etc.), it resembles a secular and ‘ufological’ parallel to creationism, displaying a strong belief in the ‘hidden’ truth of the religious traditions. This
    [Show full text]
  • Searching for SETI: the Social Construction of Aliens and the Quest for a Technological Mythos
    Searching for SETI: The Social Construction of Aliens and the Quest for a Technological Mythos John Marvin Bozeman Dissertation submitted to the faculty of the Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy In Science and Technology Studies Janet A. Abbate, Co-Chair Shannon A. Brown, Co-Chair Lee L. Zwanziger Paul D. Renard March 24, 2015 Falls Church, Virginia Keywords: Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence, SETI, Actor Network Theory, Social Construction of Technology, Rational Choice Theory of Religion, Transhumanism, Xenosalvation Copyright John M. Bozeman Searching for SETI: The Social Construction of Aliens and the Quest for a Technological Mythos John M. Bozeman ABSTRACT This dissertation uses Actor Network Theory (ANT) and Stark and Bainbridge’s rational choice theory of religion to analyze an established but controversial branch of science and technology, the Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence (SETI). Of particular interest are the cultural, and sometimes religious, assumptions that its creators have built into it. The purpose of this analysis is not to discredit SETI, but instead to show how SETI, along with other avant-garde scientific projects, is founded, motivated, and propelled by many of the same types of values and visions for the future that motivate the founders of religious groups. I further argue that the utopian zeal found in SETI and similar movements is not aberrant, but instead common, and perhaps necessary, in many early- stage projects, whether technical or spiritual, which lack a clear near-term commercial or social benefit. DEDICATION In memory of my parents, James E.
    [Show full text]
  • UFO Religion: Inside Flying Saucer Cults and Culture
    UFO 01 prelims.fm Page i Tuesday, May 29, 2007 9:48 AM ‘UFO Religion is a delightful story about an idea, one that preys upon the emotions and excites the imagination of each and every one of us. From its humble origins in the airship mysteries of nineteenth- century liars’ clubs and newspaper hoaxes, Gregory Reece chronicles the notion of alien spacecraft and visitors from outer space as this has evolved and been elevated into an article of faith for the bizarre host of conspiracy theorists, utopian dreamers, alleged abductees and contactees we find in our midst today. Reece’s vision is a refreshing and humorous reminder that no matter how whimsical their origins and rationales might seem, our strangest ideas can take on lives of their own through their primal grip on our hopes, fears, and dreams. In Reece’s world, UFOs and alien visitors are every bit the children of our minds as they are children of the stars. They emerge as a most serious – yet entertaining – subject of human concern.’ David Beisecker, Associate Professor of Philosophy, University of Nevada, Las Vegas ‘Greg Reece’s UFO Religion engagingly captures that sense of mystery and wonder that drives ufologists to undertake their research. The book is a thorough and impressive analysis of UFO investigations and of supposed alien encounters. In an entertaining and readable style, Reece guides the reader through a maze of possibility and makes many intriguing links between science and religion en route. UFO Religion is an important book for anyone who is interested in the idea that our planet has hosted extraterrestrial visitors: or in what Carl Gustav Jung called “flying saucer cults”.’ Susan J.
    [Show full text]
  • Anton Lavey, the Satanic Bible and the Satanist "Tradition"1
    CORE Metadata, citation and similar papers at core.ac.uk Provided by Publikations- und Dokumentenserver der Universitätsbibliothek Marburg Marburg Journal of Religion: Volume 7, No. 1 (September 2002) Diabolical Authority: Anton LaVey, The Satanic Bible and the Satanist "Tradition"1 James R. Lewis University of Wisconsin, Stevens Point, USA Dept. of Philosophy and Religious Studies eMail: [email protected] We have a bible. We have a pro-human dogma. We have a church. We have a tradition. - From the Church of Satan's official website. The status of The Satanic Bible as an authoritative scripture-or, perhaps more accurately, as a kind of quasi-scripture-within the Satanic subculture was initially brought to my attention during my first face-to-face encounter with Satanists in the Spring of 2000. Via the internet, I had found a small Satanist group in Portage, Wisconsin, which was about an hour south of where I resided at the time. This group, the Temple of Lylyth, distinguishes itself from Anton LaVey's brand of Satanism chiefly by its emphasis on feminine nature of the Dark Power. I arranged to meet with them in Portage on a Friday evening in connection with a research project on which I was working at the time. Over the course of our conversation, the founder and then leader of the group mentioned that on Friday evenings he was usually downtown where a small group of fervent Christians regularly set up what might be called a "preaching station" to spread the Gospel. This young fellow (he was nineteen at the time) would confront them as a practicing Satanist.
    [Show full text]
  • Descending Masters: a History of the Raëlian Movement
    CHRISTIAN RESEARCH INSTITUTE P.O. Box 8500, Charlotte, NC 28271 Statement: DD807 DESCENDING MASTERS: A HISTORY OF THE RAËLIAN MOVEMENT By Sharon Fish Mooney This article first appeared in the Volume 24 / Number 3 / 2002 issue of the Christian Research Journal. For further information or to subscribe to the Christian Research Journal go to: www.equip.org/cstore SYNOPSIS UFO fascination has been around for centuries, and events that many have said portend the end of civilization such as wars and natural catastrophes frequently fuel it. Moreover, religious beliefs and UFO interest have always walked hand in hand, often interpreting each other. A relatively new religious movement birthed by a supposed UFO encounter is the Raëlian Movement, a.k.a. Raëlian Religion. The Raëlians made national headlines when an affiliated scientist announced that Clonaid, a company developed by Claude Vorilhon Raël, the movement’s founder, was attempting to clone the first human being by December 2001. Raël himself claims that his religion is science, but a careful analysis of his movement indicates that it is a science wrapped in reinterpretations of primary biblical doctrines. Cloning, in fact, is the ultimate eschatological experiment: “Eternal life, thanks to science” is the Raëlian motto. In the earlier years of UFO study, cult figures and founders liberally borrowed from occult literature; for example, the Theosophical teaching of the “ascended masters.” The Raëlians also have their masters, a group of technologically advanced Beings, who descended to earth in spaceships, creating all of life on this planet some 25,000 years ago. As I looked, behold, a stormy wind came out of the north, and a great cloud, with brightness round about it, and fire flashing forth continually, and in the midst of the fire, as it were gleaming bronze.
    [Show full text]
  • Traces of the Gods. Ancient Astronauts As a Vision of Our Future (Jonas Richter, University of Göttingen, Germany)
    Paper for special NUMEN issue on Alternative Archaeologies, ed. by Lewis/ Andersson 2011 Traces of the Gods. Ancient Astronauts as a Vision of our Future (Jonas Richter, University of Göttingen, Germany) Abstract (ca. 200 words): Ancient Astronaut speculation (also called paleo-SETI), often labeled pseudoscience or modern myth, still awaits in-depth research. Focusing on Erich von Däniken and reconstructing his views on god and cosmology from scattered statements throughout his books, this article analyzes his attitudes toward science and religion as well as his concepts of god and creation. In this regard, his pantheistic combination of the big bang theory with a model of god as supercomputer is of special interest. Analogous to “interpretatio Romana”, Däniken utilizes what I call an “interpretatio technologica”, explaining myths by converting them into technological language. Building on Pierre Teilhard de Chardin and Jean E. Charon, the Swiss writer also develops the vision of a cosmic tendency towards increasing knowledge and information. A short comparison with Raël demonstrates that similar Ancient Astronaut myths can lead to different applications or worldviews. 2-6 Keywords: Ancient Astronauts, paleo-SETI, Erich von Däniken, creationism, technological myths, cosmology Introduction While astronomers detect more and more exoplanets and SETI research (Search for ExtraTerrestrial Intelligence) is continuing – although no longer publicly funded – a considerable part of the population is not only convinced that intelligent alien life exists, but that it already made contact.1 These speculations cover a wide range of topics including channeled messages from benevolent space commanders and frightening narratives of being abducted by mysterious Grey aliens. The alternative archaeology sometimes called Paleo-SETI is another ET-inspired topic.
    [Show full text]
  • Enge of Globalisation
    THE MINISTRY OF NATIONAL EDUCATION UNIVERSITY „1 DECEMBRIE 1918” OF ALBA IULIA FACULTY OF ORTHODOX THEOLOGY PhD Thesis THE PHENOMENOLOGY OF RELIGION IN THE AGE OF GLOBALIZATION ~abstract~ Scientific co-ordinator:. Rev. PhD Professor Ioan Emil JURCAN PhD candidate: Andrei Ovidiu CRIȘAN Alba Iulia 2017 SUMMARY INTRODUCTION I. Globalisation as idea and its valences I.1 The analysis of the term “globalisation” I.2 The history of the phenomenon I.3 The economical globalisation I.4 The political sphere of the globalisation I.5 The linguistic globalisation I.6 Informational globalisation I.7 Cultural globalisation I.8 Anti-globalisation movements II. THE WESTERN WORLD, BETWEEN “SECULAR” AND “RELIGIOUS”. IMMIGRATION ABD RELIGION IN EUROPE II.1 The analysis of the religiosity state in USA and Europe II.1.a Religiosity in The United States of America II.1.b Religiosity in Europe II.2 Immigration and religion in Europe III. SECULARISATION, POLITICS AND RELIGION IN THE GLOBAL SOCIETY III.1 Secularisation III.2 Religion and politics in globalisation III.3 Multiculturalism III.4 Religious pluralism and globalisation III.5 Religious syncretism IV. NON-CHRISTIAN RELIGIONS IN A GLOBALISING CONTEXT IV.1 The reappearance of the paganism in the European religious spectre IV.1.a Wicca IV.1.b Neo-Druidism IV.1.c Contemporary Animism IV.1.d Neo-Shamanism IV.1.e Feminism and sexuality IV.1.f Spiritual and religious ecology IV.2 The new religious movements and globalisation IV.2.a New Age IV.2.b The Transcendtal meditation IV.2.c Hare Krishna. The International Society for Krishna Cousnciousness (ISKCON) IV.2.d Ananda Marga.
    [Show full text]
  • Select Bibliography
    Select Bibliography Journals Acta Astronautica: Journal of the International Academy of Astronautics, 1974–. Astropolitics: The International Journal of Space Politics and Policy, 2003–. Flying Saucer Review, 1955–. Journal of the British Interplanetary Society, 1934–. Quest: The History of Spaceflight, 1995–. Die Rakete: Offizielles Organ des Vereins für Raumschiffahrt e.V. in Deutschland, 1927–29. Science Fiction Studies, 1973–. Space Policy: An International Journal, 1985–. The Space Review: Essays and Commentary about the Final Frontier, 2003–. Spaceflight, 1956–. Weltraumfahrt: Beiträge zur Weltraumforschung und Astronautik, 1950–66. Bibliographies Andersen, Per, Bibliografi over dansk ufo-litteratur 1950–1985, Vanløse: Andersen Bogservice, 1986. Beard, Robert Brookes, Flying Saucers, U.F.O.’s and Extraterrestrial Life: A Bibliography of British Books, 1950–1970, Swindon: R. Beard, 1971. Bibliothèque nationale de France, direction des collections, département sciences et tech- niques, Une Histoire des représentations de l’espace: Bibliographie, Paris: BN, 2007. Bloch, Robert N., Bibliographie der Utopie und Phantastik 1650–1950 im deutschen Sprachraum, Hamburg: Achilla, 2002. Buike, Bruno, UFOs: Geschichte und Naturwissenschaft. Bibliographie mit deutsch-englischen Anmerkungen und Adressen, Marburg: Tectum, 1996. Caillens, Pierre and Alain Mauret, L’Argus de la science-fiction, 6th edn, 2 vols, Libourne: L’Annonce-Bouquins, 2004. Catoe, Lynn E. and Kay Rodgers, eds, UFOs and Related Subjects: An Annotated Bibliography, Detroit, MI: Gale/Book Tower, 1978. Ciancone, Michael L., ed., The Literary Legacy of the Space Age: An Annotated Bibliography of Pre-1958 Books on Rocketry and Space Travel, Houston, TX: Amorea, 1998. Dag Hammarskjold Library/Bibliothèque Dag Hammarskjold, ed., Outer Space: A Selective Bibliography/L’espace extra-atmosphérique: Bibliographie sélective, New York: United Nations, 1982.
    [Show full text]
  • Introduction
    ONE Introduction The Rise of New Religions in Modern America Each fall, my hometown of Columbus, Ohio, hosts the Universal Life Expo, a huge convention for alternative spiritual and religious practices held at our local Veterans’ Memo- rial Hall. Since most central Ohioans come from a mainstream Christian or Jewish back- ground, they are usually amazed to discover that right here, a few blocks from the Ohio Statehouse, we have one of the largest gatherings of New Age and alternative spirituality in the country. Featuring over 330 booths and vendors, the Expo describes itself as a “meta- physical extravaganza” off ering “herbs, crystals, jewelry, angels, musical instruments, wholesome food, incense, readings, wellness products, clothing, candles, art, healers, publi- cations, spiritual fulfi llment, and something for everybody, even your pets.”1 The various groups and individuals present include both established religious traditions, such as a group of Tibetan monks who create a large sand mandala, and a vast array of newer spiritual arriv- als, such as Spiritualists, Scientologists, channelers, Reiki therapists, psychics, crystal heal- ers, and professional ghost-hunters. The interested visitor can consult with a Spiritualist medium, have a tarot card reading, receive a quick “stress test” from the Church of Scientol- ogy, have her or his aura photographed, purchase any of the thousands of crystals and other objects on display, and fi nally relax with a stop by the “Cuddle Party.” In many ways, the Expo is a microcosm of religious diversity and of the complex role of spirituality in the con- temporary United States, where hundreds of new spiritual groups exist and compete along- side more established religions in a vibrant but at times chaotic marketplace of religious ideas, practices, goods, and services (fi gure 1.1).
    [Show full text]
  • The Anthropology of Religion, Magic and Witchcraft
    Third Edition The Anthropology of Religion, Magic, and Witchcraft Rebecca L. Stein Los Angeles Valley College Philip L. Stein Los Angeles Pierce College ROUTLEDGE Routledge Taylor & Francis Group LONDON AND NEW YORK First published 2011, 2008, 2005 by Pearson Education, Inc. Published 2016 by Routledge 2 Park Square, Milton Park, Abingdon, Oxon OX14 4RN 711 Third Avenue, New York, NY, 10017, USA Routledge is an imprint of the Taylor & Francis Group, an informa business Copyright © 2011, 2008, 2005 Taylor & Francis. All rights reserved All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reprinted or reproduced or utilised in any form or by any electronic, mechanical, or other means, now known or hereafter invented, including photocopying and recording, or in any information storage or retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publishers. Notice: Product or corporate names may be trademarks or registered trademarks, and are used only for identification and explanation without intent to infringe. $SFEJUTBOEBDLOPXMFEHNFOUTCPSSPXFEGSPNPUIFSTPVSDFTBOESFQSPEVDFE XJUI QFSNJTTJPO JOUIJTUFYUCPPLBQQFBSPOQBHF 270. ISBN: 9780250 718115 (pb k) Cover Designer: Bruce Kenselaar Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data Stein, Rebecca L. The anthropology of religion, magic, and witchcraft / Rebecca L. Stein, Philip L. Stein.—3rd ed. p. cm. Includes bibliographical references and index. ISBN-13: 978-0-205-71811-5 (alk. paper) ISBN-10: 0-205-71811-6 (alk. paper) 1. Religion. 2. Anthropology of religion. 3. Religion and culture. I. Stein,
    [Show full text]