Nov 02 2009
Live Action Role Play and Religion
The author of The Squarest Peg put forth the notion that religion is LARP (live action role play).
I agree that most religions (including religions which are not structured or organized) involve some sort of live action role play. In fact, I think this is one reason why certain sects and religions get a bad rep. Ever witnessed a Catholic mass as a non-Catholic? If you don’t know what’s going on, it’s just plain bizarre. If you do not understand (on an academic, psychological, or spiritual level) the components of mass, it would look pretty archaic.
In Wicca in particular, a woman can embody the Goddess. This can be done through everyday spirituality and/or in a specific ritual. I have no doubt that a non-Wiccan coming across such a ritual without understanding the consent and symbolism involved might also find it to be archaic and maybe even profane.
Read more about Goddess feminist ritual practices here.
The speaker here also happens to discuss a shift of energy, similar to what I mentioned in my last blog entry here. So, while the rituals themselves may involve live action role play for a sacred and/or theatrical purpose, the effect of a spiritual shift is very real to the participant.
What is the source of this energy and shift? Whether it is divine or produced by other worshippers makes no difference to me. It is there and it is not physical, but metaphysical–intriguing and worth exploring without getting totally lots on the journey.
So yes–there is LARP in religion, but religion can be about more than just live action role play.
What do you think?
If you are living your path, your life and religion are the same and you are “LARPing”. Everything you do with or without others is ceremony.
Why does this culture separate life and religion?
Shaman Hawk, thanks for your perspective. I think you have a very good point. I will meditate on it. Thank you for sharing.