Ninth International Conference on Religion & Spirituality in Society

Abstract

One of the most important elements through which an individual identifies himself is his belonging to various social and religious groups. Everyone discovers which form of religious practice is the best suited for them. In my presentation, I focus on alternative religions, especially fiction based religions which promote a new understanding of religion and are a reflection of contemporary cultural trends; with emphasis being given to individualization and the promotion of pluralism. My thesis is that religion is given a new social role, it serves as a tool of self-identification of the individual and express the “I” of the individual. In order to be capable of doing that, religion has to anchor itself in something specific and individual for the person, even if this is this person’s favorite movie or book. As such, fiction becomes a tool of self identification and is taken to the level of religious practice. Examples of this trend can be found in religious movements which follow works of popular culture, with this presentation focusing on the example of Jediism, Tolkienesque cults, and Lovecraftian cults. Issues discussed include the characteristics of these aforementioned fiction based religions, its influence on the definition of religion as such, and the consequences of this kind of approach to religion. Included with this is an analysis of the cultural and social backgrounds from which these movements emerge.