REL 370 - The Occult in American Religions

Institution:

Le Moyne College

Subject:

Description:

Throughout the history of the United States, metaphysical/occult movements have demonstrated a remarkable ability to evoke both fascination and terror in the minds of the uninitiated. “Occultism”refers to the practice, usually within a closed community, of rituals believed to effect changes in the physical or social worlds. The distinctive “metaphysics” underlying such practices typically espousevarious theories about correspondences between human beings, the natural world and unseen spiritual realms. Metaphysical/occult traditions have coexisted with Christianity since the earliest days of the American colonies; the infamous witch trials of seventeenth century New England pitted Puritan prelates against allegedly demonic, occultist practitioners. The histories of Freemasonry, Mormonism and Spiritualism in the nineteenth century, and Ufology in the twentieth century, represent continuations or new appropriations of metaphysical/occult ideas and practices in a modern nation context. No less than their colonial predecessors, these movements have ignited charges of religious heresy and political subversion, and inspired tales of national intrigue. The Occult in American Religions is a historical introduction to some of the important, metaphysical/occult movements in American religious history, and an analysis of their stigmatization. Prerequisite: REL 200.

Credits:

3.00

Credit Hours:

Prerequisites:

Corequisites:

Exclusions:

Level:

Instructional Type:

Lecture

Notes:

Additional Information:

Historical Version(s):

Institution Website:

www.lemoyne.edu

Phone Number:

(315) 445-4100

Regional Accreditation:

Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools

Calendar System:

Semester

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