Thesis (Ph.D.)--The Union Institute, 1997. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 400-415).

Thesis (M.F.A.)--Rochester Institute of Technology, 2008. / Typescript. Includes bibliographical references (leaf 36).

Made available in DSpace on 2014-06-11T19:23:36Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2011-03-22Bitstream added on 2014-06-13T20:30:27Z : No. of bitstreams: 1 terra_r_me_mar.pdf: 9152143 bytes, checksum: cc95145c6e50aab382df89e4f0a2a7d7 (MD5) / O presente trabalho propõe uma interpretação do campo religioso brasileiro, a partir do kardecismo e sua teodiceia. Essa abordagem se justifica devido aos elevados índices de supostos adeptos da reencarnação apresentados por pesquisas de opinião pública no Brasil, à intensa exposição da cosmologia kardecista na mídia e ao fato do país ser o centro de propagação do espiritismo. O ponto de partida é o permanente debate entre teóricos da religião sobre os eventuais processos de secularização e desencantamento das sociedades contemporâneas. Ao se demonstrar uma série de evidências históricas relativas aos hibridismos e adaptações religiosas no Brasil colonial, foi possível relacionar a tendência atual de religiosidade “descentralizada e errante” com a modernidade e as tradições locais. O segundo passo desta pesquisa visa investigar o surgimento da doutrina espírita no século XIX, a metodologia adotada pelo codificador Allan Kardec na organização de suas obras, a teodiceia kardecista fundamentada na noção de carma e a trajetória de perseguições e adequações religiosas do espiritismo no Brasil. Ao sugerir o pressuposto teórico de continuum elaborado por Camargo para definir o universo das religiões mediúnicas no Brasil, pondera-se que a teodiceia kardecista centrada no evolucionismo e na reencarnação, tem como função racionalizar o segmento espírita. No entanto, a descentralização do kardecismo ortodoxo e a fluência de sua teodiceia entre movimentos dissidentes indicariam sua reinterpretação tanto em âmbitos seculares como religiosos. Essas tendências, provavelmente, estariam contribuindo para a expansão da cosmologia espírita e o aumento de adeptos da reencarnação no Brasil. A título de exemplo, foi analisada a “noção de pessoa” na Projeciologia, uma paraciência sistematizada por um ex-espírita, o médico Waldo Vieira. / This dissertation proposes an interpretation of the Brazilian religious scenario, from Kardecism and its theodicy on. Such an approach is justified due to the the high rates of presumed believers in reincarnation shown in public opinion poles in Brazil, to the vivid exposure of the Kardecist cosmology in the media, and to the fact that Brazil is the center of dissemination of spiritism. The point of departure is the continuing debate among religious theoriticians about the contigent secularization processes and the disenchantment of contemporary societies. After showing a series of historical evidence concerning hybridisms and religious adaptations in colonial Brazil, it was possible to relate the current trend of “decentralized and astray” religiosity with modernity and local traditions. The second step of this research aims at investigating the emergence of the spiritist doctrine in the 19th century, the approach used by its codifier, Allan Kardec, in the organization of his works, the Kardecist theodicy based on the concept of the karma and the course of harassments and religious adaptations of spiritism in Brazil. By proposing a theoretical presupposition of continuum developed by Pedro de Camargo in order to define the universe of mediumistic religions in Brazil, one ponders that in Kardecist theodicy centered on evolutionism and on reincarnation is intended to rationalize the spiritist segment. However, the decentralization of the orthodox Kardecism and the fluency of its theodicy among dissident movements might indicate its reinterpretation both in the secular and religious fields. Such trends would probably contribute to the development of the spiritist cosmology and to an increase in the number of believers in reincarnation in Brazil. On pretence of providing an example, one carried out an analysis of the “concept of person” in Projeciology, a systematized... (Complete abstract click electronic access below)

Orientador: Andreas Hofbauer / Banca: Milton Carlos Costa / Banca: Antonio Mendes da Costa Braga / Resumo: O presente trabalho propõe uma interpretação do campo religioso brasileiro, a partir do kardecismo e sua teodiceia. Essa abordagem se justifica devido aos elevados índices de supostos adeptos da reencarnação apresentados por pesquisas de opinião pública no Brasil, à intensa exposição da cosmologia kardecista na mídia e ao fato do país ser o centro de propagação do espiritismo. O ponto de partida é o permanente debate entre teóricos da religião sobre os eventuais processos de secularização e desencantamento das sociedades contemporâneas. Ao se demonstrar uma série de evidências históricas relativas aos hibridismos e adaptações religiosas no Brasil colonial, foi possível relacionar a tendência atual de religiosidade "descentralizada e errante" com a modernidade e as tradições locais. O segundo passo desta pesquisa visa investigar o surgimento da doutrina espírita no século XIX, a metodologia adotada pelo codificador Allan Kardec na organização de suas obras, a teodiceia kardecista fundamentada na noção de carma e a trajetória de perseguições e adequações religiosas do espiritismo no Brasil. Ao sugerir o pressuposto teórico de continuum elaborado por Camargo para definir o universo das religiões mediúnicas no Brasil, pondera-se que a teodiceia kardecista centrada no evolucionismo e na reencarnação, tem como função racionalizar o segmento espírita. No entanto, a descentralização do kardecismo ortodoxo e a fluência de sua teodiceia entre movimentos dissidentes indicariam sua reinterpretação tanto em âmbitos seculares como religiosos. Essas tendências, provavelmente, estariam contribuindo para a expansão da cosmologia espírita e o aumento de adeptos da reencarnação no Brasil. A título de exemplo, foi analisada a "noção de pessoa" na Projeciologia, uma paraciência sistematizada por um ex-espírita, o médico Waldo Vieira. / Abstract: This dissertation proposes an interpretation of the Brazilian religious scenario, from Kardecism and its theodicy on. Such an approach is justified due to the the high rates of presumed believers in reincarnation shown in public opinion poles in Brazil, to the vivid exposure of the Kardecist cosmology in the media, and to the fact that Brazil is the center of dissemination of spiritism. The point of departure is the continuing debate among religious theoriticians about the contigent secularization processes and the disenchantment of contemporary societies. After showing a series of historical evidence concerning hybridisms and religious adaptations in colonial Brazil, it was possible to relate the current trend of "decentralized and astray" religiosity with modernity and local traditions. The second step of this research aims at investigating the emergence of the spiritist doctrine in the 19th century, the approach used by its codifier, Allan Kardec, in the organization of his works, the Kardecist theodicy based on the concept of the karma and the course of harassments and religious adaptations of spiritism in Brazil. By proposing a theoretical presupposition of continuum developed by Pedro de Camargo in order to define the universe of mediumistic religions in Brazil, one ponders that in Kardecist theodicy centered on evolutionism and on reincarnation is intended to rationalize the spiritist segment. However, the decentralization of the orthodox Kardecism and the fluency of its theodicy among dissident movements might indicate its reinterpretation both in the secular and religious fields. Such trends would probably contribute to the development of the spiritist cosmology and to an increase in the number of believers in reincarnation in Brazil. On pretence of providing an example, one carried out an analysis of the "concept of person" in Projeciology, a systematized... (Complete abstract click electronic access below) / Mestre

The thesis tackles the issue of Rudolf Steiner's anthroposophic thought system in the context of Christianity and Christian theology. It is divided into four chapters and contains a dedicated methodological concept. The first chapter focuses on the beginning of Steiner's life journey, paying special attention to his spiritual influences affecting him prior to his public appearance. The following subchapter tackles the genre structure of Steiner's collective works (as in Gesamtausgabe) and creates an original proposal of its periodization as well as a description of its presence on the Czech li- terary market. Chapter two looks at those elements of Steiner's thinking that are theologically important and relate especially to the Trinitology. The final chapter selects those ideas from Steiner's ideological system that are in conflict with classic theological way of thinking and aims to provide them with a wider context.

This dissertation is a missiological evaluation of the challenges presented to Christian faith by reincarnation. Owing to the far-reaching theological implications of reincarnation, I have made use of an analytical grid to structure the research. It consists of seven sections, namely God, anthropology, ethics, hamartiology, soteriology, theodicy and history. This grid has been used to examine reincarnation as espoused in the Bhagavad-Gita (chapter 2) , as propounded by the well-known Hindu Swamis Vivekananda and Prabhupada (chapter 3) , and in the responses of four Christian theologians (Geddes MacGregor, John Hick, Vishal Mangalwadi and Edmond Robillard) to reincarnation (chapter 4) . There are many individuals within Western society who are attracted to reincarnation. My concern is to evaluate whether the Christian church can incorporate reincarnation in its religious worldview. In chapter 5, I give an evaluation of this question from a Reformed theological perspective. / Hierdie verhandeling is 'n missiologiese beoordeling van die uitdagings wat die leerstelling van reinkarnasie aan die Christelike geloof hied. As gevolg van die verreikende implikasies van reinkarnasie, gebruik ek 'n analitiese raamwerk om vorm te gee aan die· ondersoek. Hierdie raamwerk bestaan uit sewe onderafdelings, naamlik die beskouings oor God, mens, etiek, sonde, verlossing, teodisee en geskiedenis. Hierdie raamwerk word gebruik om die leerstelling van n!inkarnasie te ondersoek soos wat dit aan die orde kom in die Bhagavad-Gita (hoofstuk 2), in die geskrifte van die twee bekende Swamis Vivekananda en Prabhupada (hoofstuk 3) , en in die reaksies van vier Christenteoloe (Geddes MacGregor, John Hick, Vishal Mangalwadi en Edmond Robillard) op reinkarnasie (hoofstuk 4). Daar is heelwat mense in die Westerse samelewing wat aangetrokke is tot reinkarnasie. My vraagstelling is om te evalueer of die Christelike kerk re'inkarnasie in sy godsdienstige wereldbeeld kan opneem. In hoqfstuk 5, gee ek 'n beoordeling van hierdie vraag uit 'n Gereformeerde teologiese gesigspunt. / Christian,Spirituality, Church History and Missiology / M.Th. (Missiology)

This dissertation is a missiological evaluation of the challenges presented to Christian faith by reincarnation. Owing to the far-reaching theological implications of reincarnation, I have made use of an analytical grid to structure the research. It consists of seven sections, namely God, anthropology, ethics, hamartiology, soteriology, theodicy and history. This grid has been used to examine reincarnation as espoused in the Bhagavad-Gita (chapter 2) , as propounded by the well-known Hindu Swamis Vivekananda and Prabhupada (chapter 3) , and in the responses of four Christian theologians (Geddes MacGregor, John Hick, Vishal Mangalwadi and Edmond Robillard) to reincarnation (chapter 4) . There are many individuals within Western society who are attracted to reincarnation. My concern is to evaluate whether the Christian church can incorporate reincarnation in its religious worldview. In chapter 5, I give an evaluation of this question from a Reformed theological perspective. / Hierdie verhandeling is 'n missiologiese beoordeling van die uitdagings wat die leerstelling van reinkarnasie aan die Christelike geloof hied. As gevolg van die verreikende implikasies van reinkarnasie, gebruik ek 'n analitiese raamwerk om vorm te gee aan die· ondersoek. Hierdie raamwerk bestaan uit sewe onderafdelings, naamlik die beskouings oor God, mens, etiek, sonde, verlossing, teodisee en geskiedenis. Hierdie raamwerk word gebruik om die leerstelling van n!inkarnasie te ondersoek soos wat dit aan die orde kom in die Bhagavad-Gita (hoofstuk 2), in die geskrifte van die twee bekende Swamis Vivekananda en Prabhupada (hoofstuk 3) , en in die reaksies van vier Christenteoloe (Geddes MacGregor, John Hick, Vishal Mangalwadi en Edmond Robillard) op reinkarnasie (hoofstuk 4). Daar is heelwat mense in die Westerse samelewing wat aangetrokke is tot reinkarnasie. My vraagstelling is om te evalueer of die Christelike kerk re'inkarnasie in sy godsdienstige wereldbeeld kan opneem. In hoqfstuk 5, gee ek 'n beoordeling van hierdie vraag uit 'n Gereformeerde teologiese gesigspunt. / Christian,Spirituality, Church History and Missiology / M.Th. (Missiology)

<p>Private religion is a faith that isn’t practiced in an organised religious community. Many people do not want to accept a religious concept that is already defined. To choose a conception of faith based upon personal preferences fits some modern man better. The purpose of this thesis is to examine if it’s possible to create a personal religion and how such a process looks. The function of Internet for people’s religiosity is also examined. Three informants have been interviewed by e-mail. The common denominator is the faith in reincarnation. The result shows that there are some central points in common in their faith. They are critical of the traditional religion. The faith is chosen and is adapted to the personal needs. The individual is in the centre. There is a strong belief in the human being and her ability to influence her own life. Religious authorities are not important. Neither are religious ceremonies significant, the informants have instead created their own rites. A part of the thesis contains a study of religious forum on the Internet which shows that Internet can function as a traditional religious community. People can acquaint themselves with other people’s stories, ask questions and have there own thoughts virtually confirmed.</p> / <p>Privatreligion är en tro som inte utövas i organiserad religiös gemenskap. Många drar sig för att köpa ett religiöst koncept som någon annan redan definierat. Att välja trosföreställning baserat på egna preferenser passar en del moderna människor bättre. Syftet med denna uppsats är att undersöka om det går att skapa en egen religion och hur en sådan process ser ut. Även Internets funktion för människors religiositet undersöks. Tre informanter har intervjuats via mejl. Den gemensamma nämnaren är tron på reinkarnation. Resultatet visar att det finns några centrala beröringspunkter i deras tro. De är kritiska till den traditionella religionen. Tron väljs och anpassas till de egna behoven. Individen är i centrum. Det finns en stark tilltro till människan och hennes möjlighet att påverka sitt liv. Religiösa auktoriteter är inte viktiga. Inte heller religiösa ceremonier är betydelsefulla, utan informanterna har utvecklat personliga riter. En del av uppsatsen består av en studie av religiösa forum på Internet vilken visar att Internet kan fungera som en traditionell religiös gemenskap. Personer kan ta del av andras berättelser, ställa frågor och få sina egen tankar bekräftade virtuellt.</p>

Private religion is a faith that isn’t practiced in an organised religious community. Many people do not want to accept a religious concept that is already defined. To choose a conception of faith based upon personal preferences fits some modern man better. The purpose of this thesis is to examine if it’s possible to create a personal religion and how such a process looks. The function of Internet for people’s religiosity is also examined. Three informants have been interviewed by e-mail. The common denominator is the faith in reincarnation. The result shows that there are some central points in common in their faith. They are critical of the traditional religion. The faith is chosen and is adapted to the personal needs. The individual is in the centre. There is a strong belief in the human being and her ability to influence her own life. Religious authorities are not important. Neither are religious ceremonies significant, the informants have instead created their own rites. A part of the thesis contains a study of religious forum on the Internet which shows that Internet can function as a traditional religious community. People can acquaint themselves with other people’s stories, ask questions and have there own thoughts virtually confirmed. / Privatreligion är en tro som inte utövas i organiserad religiös gemenskap. Många drar sig för att köpa ett religiöst koncept som någon annan redan definierat. Att välja trosföreställning baserat på egna preferenser passar en del moderna människor bättre. Syftet med denna uppsats är att undersöka om det går att skapa en egen religion och hur en sådan process ser ut. Även Internets funktion för människors religiositet undersöks. Tre informanter har intervjuats via mejl. Den gemensamma nämnaren är tron på reinkarnation. Resultatet visar att det finns några centrala beröringspunkter i deras tro. De är kritiska till den traditionella religionen. Tron väljs och anpassas till de egna behoven. Individen är i centrum. Det finns en stark tilltro till människan och hennes möjlighet att påverka sitt liv. Religiösa auktoriteter är inte viktiga. Inte heller religiösa ceremonier är betydelsefulla, utan informanterna har utvecklat personliga riter. En del av uppsatsen består av en studie av religiösa forum på Internet vilken visar att Internet kan fungera som en traditionell religiös gemenskap. Personer kan ta del av andras berättelser, ställa frågor och få sina egen tankar bekräftade virtuellt.

Le Druzisme représente un courant philosophico-religieux qui peut être considéré comme une doctrine d'apparence religieuse, de pensée philosophique et systématique, de référence gnostique dans l'histoire de l'Islam. Ses adeptes vivent en communauté hermétique, ses sages (šeiẖs) se retirent dans des réclusions (ẖalwāt) en s'isolant comme des mystiques, ils se livrent à une retraite spirituelle sans pratique religieuse, ils ne se réfèrent à aucune tradition précédente des religions monothéistes, de par leurs écrits ou leurs pratiques. Ils conservent une tradition et une éthique avec un code de conduite et des interdits culinaires. En revanche, le Druzisme est né au sein de l'Isma`ilisme, il établit un lien intellectuel et spirituel avec la philosophie antique et avec le néoplatonisme tout en assimilant des éléments des religions d'orient avec des éléments grecs helléniques. Peut-on alors parler d'une secte de l'Islam, du moment où il n'y a aucun lien avec ce dernier sinon le milieu historique dans lequel celle-ci est vu le jour? Peut-on parler de religion, quand il n'y a aucune religiosité ou pratique religieuse exprimée ou vécue? S'agit-il de dire que l'on est face à une théosophie alors que le lien entre les membres de la communauté n'est pas fondé sur la philosophie et que le commun des Druzes n'est pas philosophe? Comment qualifier ce phénomène d'une communauté dont le lien est une foi qui n'est pas exprimée religieusement, et une doctrine dont le contenu n'est pas révélé, à laquelle s'attachent des membres qui ne le connaissent qu'une fois initiés? En somme, qui sont les Druzes et qu'est-ce que le Druzisme? Existe-t-il un lien entre cette doctrine et la gnose? / Druzism is a philosophico-religious movement which may be considered primarily as a doctrine but with a religious appearance, a systematic and philosophical thinking, with some reference to Gnosticism in the history of Islam. Its adherents live in a community of hermits, its wisemen (šeiẖs) retire in seclusion (ẖalwāt) by isolating themselves like mystics, as they deliver themselves to living in a spiritual retreat, without any religious practice ; they refer to no previous religious traditions even among the monotheistic ones, whether in reference to their sacred writings or religious practice. The Druze adheres to a tradition and a code of ethics and behaviour, as well as to culinary prohibitions. Druzism itself however, was born in the heart of Ismailism, while establishing an intellectual and a spiritual link with both ancient philosophies and neoplatonism, all the while assimilating various element of mid and far-eastern religions, mixed with Greek and Hellenistic ideas. Can we therefore speak of the Druze as if forming a sect of Islam? Can we even speak of a religion where in fact there is no trace of religiosity or religious practice either expressed or lived? Is it possible that we are facing theosophy where the link between the members of the community is certainly not founded on a philosophy? How can one qualify this phenomenon of a community where the main tenet is that of a faith which is not expressed in a religious manner, and a held doctrine the contents of which are not revealed, to which its members adhere, not knowing it fully unless once initiated? In summary, who are the Druzes, and what is Druzism? Is there a link between its doctrine and that of Gnosticism?