Cultpunk The Assemblage of Areté promotes: (…) a new, humanist religion focused on developing personal and communal areté (ahr-uh-tay), or human greatness. While we encourage skepticism of religions, we define the word ‘religion’ to mean a cohesive set of philosophies and rituals, requiring active participation; and Aretéanism is exactly that. Unlike many religions however, Aretéanism specifically rejects … Read moreAretéanism
BBC Africa profiles several women who are reviving aspects of pre-Colonial spiritual practice.
The Center for Tactical Magic conjures a radical reinvention of the “witches’ cradle” as an immersive ritual experience.
VICE News reports on the increasing revival of Afro-Caribbean religions such as Voodoo and Lucumi as well as New Age witchcraft among Black American women.
Worldviews and Ways of Life with Ann Taves. Rather than “religion” and “non-religion,” what does it mean to look at these phenomena as part of the broader category of worldviews and ways of life? Invented Religions with Carole Cusack, Professor of Religious Studies at the University of Sydney. The Sunday Assembly with Josh Bullock, a … Read moreCultpunky podcasts from the Open Div Summit (2021)
Cultpunk begins with the premise that all religions are invented as works of art (thereby alienating the gigantic majority of the conventionally religious) and then insists that it is deeply desirable to act on that premise (thereby alienating the gigantic majority of atheists). Some of the happy few we count as pioneers in this field … Read moreHow to create new religions: resources for would-be founders
Jamie Wheal argues for the “ethical cult” as distinct from “traditional cults” such as institutionalized religions and “culty cults” a la the Peoples Temple, Nxivm, et al. More detail on the same theme here:
I recorded this unusual and imaginative documentary on VHS tape back when it first screened, and re-watched it several times. During the first two-thirds, comedienne and presenter Ruby Wax lampoons various California New Age therapies and ostensibly mystical practices (or at least provides color commentary as they lampoon themselves) and it’s fun and funny to … Read more“Ruby Takes a Trip” (documentary, 1991)
The creators of the Parable of the Sower – a modern opera inspired by Octavia Butler’s prophetic 1992 work of dystopian fiction – describe the urgent relevance of their story in a time of climate crisis and social malaise: In this genre-defying work of concert performance featuring a powerhouse ensemble of 20 singers and musicians, … Read moreBehind the scenes of the “Parable of the Sower” opera