What are the elements that go into forming a new religion? Is it a sudden change or a long process? What is the relationship with past religions? What is the importance of a founder?
To form a new religion there must be a need for one. If the people are satisfied with their current religion, why would they convert to a new one? I think many of the Bahai's were unhappy with some of the violent ideas floating around in the Babi, and previously the Islam faith. Bahaullah advocated peace and brought with him wisdom that could solve all problems. Those Babi's put their faith in him. Whether it is a quick or sudden change depends on perspective. In the case of the Bahai's and most other religions formed from old one's(i.e.-christianity), the change occured relatively quickly, but not overnight. It takes time to gather followers, and most aren't converted overnight (except Bahaullah, who became a Babi after reading a letter--did anyone else find this weird?). The relationship with past religions is usually at least at the start, rocky. The new religion is moving forward in a way that the old religion is not ready to accept. Its like on the circle diagram we discussed in class, except instead of a single religion forms, an entirely new one sprouts off of the old. I think, sometimes more or less, the old religion will accept the validity of the new religion. The Importance of the founder cannot be understated. This is the person who reloutionizes the the old religion, completely changing the status quo. They are often worshiped or idolized. Without the founder, the new religion would never even come to be.
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"after reading a letter" - all you need is to see the truth. Once you see it, it's quick. I studied the religion for two years before I joined but the impulse to join when it took hold only took minutes. The study was just a way of clearing my head and heart.
ReplyDeleteMight look up "one trial learning".
In Baha'u'llah's case you might look for some review of his early life - he was already well distinguished from Moslems of his day and sometimes differed strongly with the religious lectures he was given or witness to.
"To form a new religion there must be a need for one. If the people are satisfied with their current religion, why would they convert to a new one?"
ReplyDeleteI totally agree with your opening statement. If everyone agreed with the already established religion/ belief system, there would be no need for the creation of another ( which obviously isn't the case because there are so many religions around the world). This is sort of off topic, but I feel that people now who aren't satisfied with the answers that religions provide or don't feel a connection to already established religions, become atheist or decide to not associate with any religion at all.