Grave Sucking

According to this article, it has also been called "grave soaking" or "mantle grabbing."  The idea is to lay prostrate on the surface above the grave of a holy person and soak up the spiritual power of that person as it leaks from that person's buried body.

The title of the article refers to this practice as "crazy," and its conclusion seems to reveal that the author is highly skeptical of the merits of the practice.  Yet, it is not obvious to me that practice is crazier than other religious practices such as praying, giving offerings, wearing religious tokens, or participating in other religious rites.  Grave sucking is less common that those other practices to be sure, but because a practice is less common or outside traditional practice does not imply that it is necessarily less valid.

However, perhaps the issue of credibility may be more subtle?  Do you think that a practice may be perceived as less credible because it is less common?  That is, is there some possible logical connection between the frequency with which a religious practice is undertaken and its credibility and efficacy?

Religious Freedom in Burma

The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (you will learn more about them this quarter) just released a brief report update on religious freedom in Burma.  It is only four pages, so definitely read the entire report (pdf here).

Some questions for you to consider as you read the report:

• What religious group(s) is facing persecution?
• What types of persecution?
• Why has this group(s) been targeted?
• Has there been an increase in human rights violations?  A decrease?  Neither?

The Church of England Goes Cashless

Technology affects the operations of religious groups in many ways.  As explained in this article at Religion News Service, one of those ways is the way that members pay for various church services or make donations.  In short:

The Church of England has now decided to make their financial transactions easier. Instead of expecting people to rummage for a few coins or bills, it plans to introduce cashless, contactless payments in its 16,000 churches and cathedrals.

The payment machines will first be used for funeral fees, wedding notices or even to buy a coffee after the service. Later, people will also be able to make their weekly offering with the machines.

Question to consider:  Will this change lead to an increase in donations in the Church of England?