The Kindred of the Kibbo Kift (1923)

A short newsreel capturing extremely rare footage of the Kibbo Kift at work and play. A post-First World War utopian movement, the Kindred broke from the jingoism and militarism of the Scouts and established their own plan for the betterment of individual kinfolk and the future of their society. Among their many innovations were aesthetic … Read moreThe Kindred of the Kibbo Kift (1923)

Memento Mori Religion in “28 Years Later”

In the 28 Days franchise, much of the world is laid to waste by an accidentally-released pathogen called the Rage Virus, which reduces human beings to almost mindless biting and eating machines. The third installment is set 28 years after the original movie and takes place in a radically re-wilded England. Nature has largely reclaimed … Read moreMemento Mori Religion in “28 Years Later”

New Eden: Science Fiction Mythologies Transformed (ArtScience Museum of Singapore, 21 Oct 2023 – 3 Mar 2024)

Click here for more information on this exhibition. “New Eden: Science Fiction Mythologies Transformed” offers fresh insights on science fiction, a genre built on envisioning alternative futures and imaginary realms. The lines connecting science fiction with Asian philosophy and mythologies are brought to light through the work of twenty-four Asian women artists and collectives. The … Read moreNew Eden: Science Fiction Mythologies Transformed (ArtScience Museum of Singapore, 21 Oct 2023 – 3 Mar 2024)

Mythopoetic Ritual as Deep Play

Mythopoetic ritual bypasses much of the intellect and engages the subjective senses, bodily movement, imagination and emotion. It shrugs – subversively, mightily – at color-coded spread-sheets. Ritual speaks in the immersive repetition of gesture, ullulation, mystic symbol and profuse sweat. It is profound meaning-making undertaken in a self-aware spirit of Deep Play. The role of … Read moreMythopoetic Ritual as Deep Play

The Case for Religious Fictionalism: or How to Lead a Religious Life Without Faith or Belief

Rob Wheeler writes on the subject of religious fictionalism for the Spiritual Naturalist Society: A major benefit of the fictionalist approach to religion is that cuts through a host of theological conundrums and excuses us from participation in interminable debates over anomalies and inconsistencies in doctrine. For instance by treating all religious texts as fictions, … Read moreThe Case for Religious Fictionalism: or How to Lead a Religious Life Without Faith or Belief

“Poetic Faiths Vol. I” Reviewed for the International Journal for the Study of New Religions

Click here to read the full review by Finnish scholar Essi Mäkelä: Since their basis of practice is not a historical writing or tradition/ritual that has been followed for hundreds of years, for many new religious movements it might be hard to see themselves as belonging to the category, while at the same time they … Read more“Poetic Faiths Vol. I” Reviewed for the International Journal for the Study of New Religions