Religion and books is an interesting topic since most religions are built upon a religious text or scripture for established instruction. Chapter 7 of the “Religion and Popular Culture in America” discusses popular culture in religion. I would like to discuss books as popular culture as religion.
Cullenism as defined by Urban Dictionary: “A new religion based off of Stephenie Meyer's Twilight Saga. They believe that the Cullen's (also including Isabella Swan, Jacob Black, and all other characters) are indeed real, and they deserve to be worshiped. They believe that the author of the successful series is a prophet, and that the books are a series of holy books, and the "Cullenists", or "Cullenite" must read a bit of it every day. If you live your life well, in their belief, you will spend eternal life with the Cullen's.”
Ok, so the whole idea of Twilight actually being a religion is a bit of a stretch, and most Cullenist’s actually will state that they are a nondenominational and nonreligious group. Simply put they are fans who “cherish values of Twilight (not just how cute Edward is).”
Religion in America defines religion as “an integrated system of belief, lifestyle, ritual activities, and institutions by which individuals give meaning to (or find meaning in) their lives by orienting themselves to what they take to be holy, sacred, or of the highest value.”
Considering that the Twilight series has sold over 100 million copies worldwide, been translated into 38 different languages, and people gather together to discuss the book and wait for new installments/movies. Based on the Religion in America you could argue that Twilight is a religion.
Cullenism is a “seeker” church in the sense that it’s developed based on individual and unique orientation and interest. If Cullenism really is a new ‘religious’ movement, are people doing this because they find comfort with people that share similar ideas and interests? Based on the definitions of religion, could Cullenism be considered a religion?
So my main question is this: In this “new age of spirituality,” where people are becoming less spiritual and more secular, is it ok for people to create religion they want rather than adhering to traditional religion? Discuss.
According to the definition of religion: “an integrated system of belief, lifestyle, ritual activities, and institutions by which individuals give meaning to (or find meaning in) their lives by orienting themselves to what they take to be holy, sacred, or of the highest value.” Yes, it is okay. The people who "cherish values of Twilight" are practicing and appreciating good values. But at the same time just because it is okay doesn't mean it is good.
ReplyDeleteBy making every value or inspiring thing a religion I think we miss our on finding universal truth. If everything is religious than nothing is religious, sacred or holy it just is what it is. This isn't good because there are things that are truly worth our wonder amazement and worship.
I think the issue becomes a healthy balance. For example, in our religion, or many other Christian religions, we are taught service, kindness, self improvement and other values that help give balance in our lives. I don't fully understand the Twilight community but i can't imagine that much balance is coming from such a form of religion. I can't see it as being too healthy for the individual.
ReplyDeleteBased on the definition you gave of RELIGION, I feel Cullenism and other groups can be called a religion. I agree with this definition, however, I have to define religion I will change the last part of the definition you gave us. I will say religion “an integrated... by orienting themselves to what is holy, sacred, or of the highest value.” Instead of saying: "by orienting themselves to what they take to be holy, sacred, or of the highest value.”
ReplyDeleteI feel it is true the fact that too many new religions are being CREATED and the sacred part of religion is being ridiculed by some many new religions. Britannica Encyclopedia defines SACRED as "sacred, the power, being, or realm understood by religious persons to be at the core of existence and to have a transformative effect on their lives and destinies." How has the Twilight Saga transform the effect on our lives and destinies? How the Twilight Saga explains us the core of our existence? I feel the concept of religion is being diminish by not understanding the concept of SACRED and HOLINESS.
-STEFANI LEYVA
Is it OK to create to create a new religion? Does a new system of beliefs automatically meet the definition of religion?
ReplyDeleteIt is not uncommon for someone to name their specific system of beliefs as, "my religion". Yet that doesn't meet a strict definition of the word religion. I think that if we have religion a loose definition meaning whatever an individual believes, then there would be variations of Mormonism based on each individual.
The concept of creating religion, its not bad... its just miswording. Besides, there are laws about creating your own organized religion. IF your religion isn't organized, its really just a belief system.
You couldn't have picked a better example to make your point on, as the Twilight series has happily taken it's place over the past few years as one of society's preeminent fads. Like Harry Potter, Pokemon and others before it, the series has taken control of a large market share of a highly sought after age group and make its mark on pop culture in a very short amount of time.
ReplyDeleteMy answer to the question is: why not? Social networks and cell phones (texting) have transferred influence over teenagers and young adults from predominantly family members and other adult role models to... their peers. I believe more so than ever, the rising generation will be less prone to a traditional spiritual lifestyle than ever before without incredibly strong parenting or other positive influences. If this is the case, at least they will have some semblance of a moral and spiritual guide, even if it is rather weak and not even ideal.
So my main question is this: In this “new age of spirituality,” where people are becoming less spiritual and more secular, is it ok for people to create religion they want rather than adhering to traditional religion? Discuss.
ReplyDeleteIf we look at religion as a community where beliefs and uniformity is common, then they absolutely are. It may be cheesy, but who am I to judge what people connect with. I may not agree with it, but if they idolize a central figure who is a source of strength for them, then more power to them. As I reflect on my own beliefs and strong desires, the Church influences my life for the better. I can imagine people who's desires are shaped by Edward Cullen's traditional values and moral rights. Religion is about association and some people simply don't have that emotional connection to traditional religion. I think it's better that they have that community as a source of strength than to have no sense of direction and feel as though they are an outcast to traditional religions.