Introduction
Humans are devoted to their beliefs, which define their cause and the moral code that regulates their actions as individuals. The moral code requires observance and adherence to the rites prescribed by their respective religions. Humans adhere to various faiths, including Rastafari, Jediism, and the Raelian movement. Such religious movements have similar characteristics to other religious groups. This paper is aimed to discuss the religious movements of Rastafari, Jediism, and the Raelian.
The Religious Movements of Rastafari, Jediism, and the Raelian
I would characterize Rastafari as a political movement because Rastafarians think that slavery, economic injustice, and racial oppression are all signs that Jah is putting them to the test. I would characterize Jediism as a philosophy Jedi believe in the Force, a striking force that permeates everything and connects the cosmos. I would characterize the Raelian movement as religion because Raelian claims that the Elohim, a race of extraterrestrial beings, used their sophisticated technology to create humanity. However, the actions of the Rastafari, Jedi, and Raelites differ from those of other religions. The theological systems are intertwined with building blocks such as taboos, rituals, supernatural agents, myths, authority, and moral obligations. These essential components establish religious relationships that generate physiological responses, such as symbolic ethos, schemes, and social identity.
Similarities
Various religions throughout the globe share operational similarities. For example, like other religions we have studied, Rastafari, Jediism, and Raelian believers view religion as a way of life. Moreover, believers in the existence of ultimate reality are considered a god or spirit with fundamental abilities that created life and everything (Sosis, 2019). Nevertheless, Rastafari, Jediism, and Raelian believers have sacred places where they practice their religion and culture (Berger et al., 2021). Most people believe in the originality of their religion and the existence of a supernatural being behind the creation.
Differences
They are further analyzing the differences in peoples’ belief in advanced technology in the Raelian movement, particularly supercomputers that record human memories and DNA. In contrast with the other religions we have studied, Christians believe in the existence of life after death. Moreover, Hindus believe that their god Brahma protects, preserves, and manifests in them, while Rastafarians think their god Jah exposes them to enslavement and economic injustice (Berger et al.,2021; Sosis, 2019). Thus, these differences and similarities within different regions promote respect and order since every believer understands the religion of others.
The fundamental components of religious systems consist of building blocks such as myths, rituals, taboos, moral obligations, authority, and supernatural actors. The building blocks substantially impact the rules that determine community order and collaboration. Traditions, for instance, determine the viability of religious systems and subsequently influence the coordination of societal actions (BBC, n.d.). In contrast with the other religions we have studied, The Raelian movement authorizes the movement of sex-positive femininity and protects women from sexual assault; thus, this shows the moral obligation that outlines the political role (Raelsim, n.d.; ET Embassy, n.d). In addition, Rastafari has a strong belief in myths and taboos (Religion Facts, n.d.). For example, they use marijuana to purify their body, soul, and mind.
Furthermore, alcohol is forbidden for Rastas because it does not nourish their bodies. To preserve the dignity of their culture, they strictly observe these cultures. The Jediism movement also uses rituals and spiritual agents to exercise their religious practices (Jedi Believe, 2022). For instance, they practice their habits by naming and circumcising their children (Jedi Church, n. d.). During these practices, the spiritual agents intercede and connect their children to their supreme being (Berger et al., 2021). Thus, the building blocks bring cooperation and order to society by linking and interconnecting members of the community.
Conclusion
Religious institutions and groups view religion as a way of life. Some of the religious movements include the Rastafari, Jediism, and Raelian movements. These movements are interconnected by building blocks such as taboos, rituals, supernatural agents, myths, authority, and moral obligations. Recognizing all of these building blocks facilitates cooperation, hence defining societal behavior.
References
BBC. (n.d.). Religions: Rastafari. Web.
Berger, P., Davie, G., & Fokas, E. (2021). Religious America, Secular Europe? A theme and variations. Routledge.
ET Embassy. (n.d.). Extraterrestial life. Web.
Jedi Believe. (2022). Temple of the Jedi Order. Web.
Jedi Church. (n.d.). Jedi Church. Web.
Raelism (n.d.). Web.
Religion Facts. (n.d.). Rastafarianism. Web.
Sosis, R. (2019). The building blocks of religious systems: Approaching religion as a complex adaptive system. Evolution, Development, and Complexity, 421–449. Web.