ML200 Lecture 6: Lecture 6 - Neo Old Faiths Neopaganism and other forms of feminist spirituality
ML200
Neo/Old Faiths: Neopaganism and other forms of feminist spirituality
Today
• Discussion of religion absent from most discussion of medievalism
• A period where faith was an important part of daily life but our studies exclude it
• The oppressive church as a villain
• Concrete ways medievalism has informed aspects religion in the real world
o Not necessarily a natural or logical connection
• Medieval stereotypes : monolithic church ruling
• Participatory medievalism
Neopagan Medievalism: Some Characteristics
• Reimagined based on inspiration; knowledge of the lack of authenticity
• Neopagan medievalism is generally selective
o Embraces “positive” elements of the MA (highly romanticized)
o Accuracy vs. authenticity
o Emphasizes “negative” MA only as a sort of foil (ie, the oppressive church)
• Certain things “feel” Medieval, but may not be (perceived authenticity)
• Origins in the 19th cen., but shaped by the 60s’ countercultural movement
o Caste seen through the lens of romanticism
• Inspiration for the future/present coming from the past
• Response to modernization, secularization, globalization
• The implicit medievalism of a spiritual “quest”
o The spiritual quest for truth, fulfillment
o Romantic medieval idea
Neopaganism and Authenticity
• Survivalism vs. re-imagining
o Most are consciously aware of the fact that their ideas are based on perceptions of the
old
o Some are connected to racial nationalism – not the strongest grasp on what is truly
historically accurate
o Thriving culture
• Problem with academia
o Very little work done in the subject
o An element of modern society and the patriarchy
• Strongly feminist group
