Spaces and Spectrums
Asynchronous Session
Featured Group-centered Spiritual Groups: A Socio-Rhetorical Analysis of 1 Corinthians 3:5-9 View Digital Media
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session Maddison Frye
Leadership styles and methods greatly impact how groups function and their effectiveness. Group dynamics are also dependent on the application of the leader’s style, meaning either individual, group, or organizationally centered. Leader-centered leaders can be characterized based on the active and imposing role of the leader over the group. Group-centered leaders, in contrast, may be identified by the promotion of group discussion and growth in which information is exchanged between members. This paper analyzes 1 Corinthians 3:5-9 using socio-rhetorical analysis to identify the main message of the text and show that there is a sacred text example of group-centered leadership in a spiritual group. Overall, spiritual leaders should consider using group-centered leadership to promote unity and purity in their religious and spiritual groups through self-directed methods. This involves using a hands-off facilitating approach by enabling followers with the necessary tools for growth. This paper illustrates how the sacred text demonstrates the place of group-centered groups in religious congregations, how they should function through hands-off leadership, and the value of this method for members of the religious community.
Exploration of the Religious Practices and Cultural Integration of the Dai Ethnic Minority in Northern Thailand within the Context of Yi- Kuan-Tao View Digital Media
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session Lim Pey Huan
The main objective of this study is to explore the current development of Yi-Kuan-Tao in Thailand. Apart from reviewing the historical development of Yi-Kuan-Tao in northern Thailand, the aim is to break free from the stereotype that Yi-Kuan-Tao is only targeted towards the Chinese community in overseas propagation efforts. Additionally, the study seeks to investigate how ethnic minority groups in northern Thailand integrate with Yi-Kuan-Tao within the context of their own cultural heritage, thus becoming practitioners of Yi-Kuan-Tao within these minority communities. Another major objective of this study is to pioneer the introduction of experiential interviews into the practice of Yi-Kuan-Tao, thus promoting a 'religious transformation.' In terms of evangelism, teaching, and resolving doubts, it is necessary to continuously innovate and adapt to the evolving needs of society. With the rapid spread of transformative education, it forces us to seriously consider how to implement a 'religious transformation' in religious education. We hope to demonstrate the foresight of this interview method in the field of religious studies. This study briefly compares and reviews the discourse of other scholars while discussing the past development and current situation of Yi-Kuan-Tao in Thailand. I use the spiritual experiences of the Dai ethnic minority practicing Yi-Kuan-Tao in northern Thailand as a case study to discuss how believers integrate Yi-Kuan-Tao practices with their indigenous culture. This study will specifically compare the similarities and differences among Yi-Kuan-Tao culture, Thai culture, and the culture of the ethnic minority, illustrating how individuals become devout followers of Yi-Kuan-Tao.
To Be in Place: Towards a Spirituality of Place in the Phenomenology of Edward S. Casey View Digital Media
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session Phillip Antilla
The philosophical study of space and place offers a powerful lens for viewing the role of spirituality in religion. Within this field, the work of American philosopher Edward S. Casey (1939-) stands out by providing a phenomenological framework to explore and specify the unique religious and spiritual experience of place – that is, “its power to direct and stabilize us, to memorialize and identify us, to tell us who and what we are in terms of where we are (as well as where we are not).” For Casey: “To be in the world, to be situated at all, is to be in place” (Casey 1993). How does such a view influence, not only our understanding of religious space and place but also our understanding of God and the spiritual practice of place? This paper explores several themes put forth by Casey that speak to the phenomenal spatial experience of spirituality – namely that place is embodied, that place gathers, and that place is an event or process rooted in openness and movement.
Virtual Spiritual Communication is a ‘New Normal’: Embodiment, Rituals and the Creation of Digital Sacred Space View Digital Media
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session Gulsah Gorucu
In today's hyper-connected world, cyberspace has become a thriving hub for communities, shaping and redefining the ways individuals express, practice, and interact within their faith traditions. Some scholars have often addressed the need for understanding online religious communities in relation to their physical counterparts or offline religious practices, others examine how the Internet alters concepts of identity and community, as well as how these communities become inherently intertwined with networked behaviors. This paper delves into cyber spiritual practices done by traditional and contemporary spiritual communities by fostering a deeper understanding of the complex interplay between digital space as a public space and religion in Turkey. The goal of this research is to investigate the ways in which new-wave spiritual communities navigate and shape their identities in online environments, considering the socio-cultural, technological, and religious dimensions at play. The motives behind that the utilization of digital platforms and how spiritual communities facilitate and shape the spiritual expression, community building, and ritualistic practices on digital space will be analyzed thematically through the lens of local courses, seminars, community meetings, cross-platform instant messaging (IM) service groups, and online events. While some are established by pre-existing physical communities, others are entirely internet-based, with members potentially never having the opportunity to meet in person. This paper explores and conceptualizes the augmented landscape of spiritual identity and community, by examining these intersections, I contribute to scholarly discourse, explore innovative approaches for navigating religious environment in the digital age.
Digital Spirituality View Digital Media
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session Sonny Zaluchu
Humans have transformed religious practice from onsite to online in a digital society. There are various understandings and new ways of spirituality. This research aims to conceptualize digital spirituality as a consequence of the digital culture of modern society. It was concluded that the most essential part of spirituality is not the way to achieve it but the self-awareness and desire to pursue a better spiritual life. Digital spirituality is a new way of using digital technology that facilitates people's religious lives to practice their beliefs, talk about God, and build their spiritual lives. Spirituality does not change in its purpose and transforms an effort to make it happen.
