# 2023 Conference: Uses and Abuses of Power in Alternative Spiritualities ## expand\_more **Dates: April 26-29, 2023** Our spring 2023 conference explored a twofold reality: alternative spiritualities can be enormously empowering for the persons who participate in them, but they can also be sites of deeply harmful abuses of power. We welcomed proposals that explore only one side of this reality as well as those that explore the connection between the two sides, and especially welcomed proposals designed to foster open-hearted dialogue between people who have benefited from alternative spiritualities and those who have experienced significant harm from them. ## 2023 Conference Videos Watch these captioned videos of 2023 conference presentations, listed alphabetically by speaker, on the HDS Program for the Evolution of Spirituality YouTube channel. - "[The Memory of Camilo: Monuments of Faith and Revolution](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=22M3OOy6Dno)," Frias Alvaro - "[Uses and Abuses of Ayahuasca in the Upper Amazon](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Crn4ZwKPKB8)," Frédérique Apffel-Marglin - "[Transforming the Poison of Abuse into Medicine](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Qzz9ZvzFLs)," Dao Shr Suzy Balliett - "[Genderspecific Manipulation through Non-violent Communication, Spirituality and Biologistic Concepts](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vWQ2JuvoCZA)," Maria Burschel - "[Mitigating Risk in Extreme Spiritual Pursuit](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6zDQpjIXn6k)," Jeff Carreira - "[The Biopower of Faith Leaders as Alternative Medicine Practitioners in Spiritual Communities](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Weh7vXkQRmk)," Orus Mateo Castaño-Suárez - "[Song Within a Sacrifice Zone](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_nmpkZu6kq0)," Orus Mateo Castaño-Suárez - "[Transmuting Poison into Medicine: Intersecting Cultivation Practices and the Power of Spoken Word for Somatic Trauma Healing](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AXqPOSIELKQ)," Billy J. Choi-Gekas and Heather Beamish - ["Noctumonium and the Beasts of Satan: Responding to Emerging Acid Satanism Among Teenagers in Italy](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AXqPOSIELKQ)," Federico Cinocca - "[Ancestors & Money: The Spiritual Dimension of Reparations Work for White People](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_WI6ljmWPb4)," Morgan Curtis - "[Mother Earth Goddess of Kurdistan: Neolithic Spirituality, Femininity and Contemporality](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4iYWu5hFVUI)," Dilşa Deniz - "[Neither Kittens nor Baby Monkeys: Enhancing devotees’ Agency in Hyperlocal Guru-Bhakti Communities](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y3hmoslbBTU)," Michal Erlich - "[\[Un\]Conscious Colonialism – Why is “Native Spirituality” a Pagan Genre?](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YMzygIW6QQY)," Pegi Eyers - "[The Guru at Your Fingertips: An Exploratory Study of Spiritual Leaders on Social Media](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-feuaMEGehE)," Melissa Caicedo Farbman, Olivia Jenkins, and Petra Parvati Meedt - "[The High Cabal and the Lynch Mob: Exploring Conspiracism Through René Girard’s Scapegoating Theory](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jRLmq940GLc)," Michel Jacques Gagné - "[Indigenous Spiritualities: cultural appropriation or the last salvation?](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5UJPUsLu5EA)," Maria Fernanda Gebara - "[The Guru Scandals: Lessons from the Recent History of Power Abuse](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AmWnu5Tgc3Y)," Phillip Goldberg - "[From Lion to Lamb: The Spiritual Humiliation of Shaker Richard McNemar](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YT7WyKX6UYo)," Christian Goodwillie - "[Empowerment and agency among Llave Mariana’s practitioners](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NAAD6EuCUhI)," Agustina Gracia - "['You Will Simply Go Nuts if You Try': A Discussion of Paradox within the Osho-Rajneesh Movement](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3D8pGNNenAQ)," Anna Guterman - "[Spiritual Leaders and Betrayal Trauma](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XyVWTQql-OE)," Duncan Holloman - "[Cultivating Spiritual Experiences: The Chan Buddhist Ox Herding Pictures](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ixbpdZGoJPI)," Maria Jaoudi - "[Sorcery, African Alternative Spirituality and the Abuse of Power](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=maaFT8PDYF0)," Ikechukwu Anthony Kanu - "[Healthy Happy Holy? Harm and Healing in Sikh Dharma's Kundalini Yoga Community](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yjcsVk3F77E)," Nirinjan Kaur Khalsa-Baker - "[Alternative Spiritualities Through the Lens of Online Content Moderation](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6gaPEOF3Qbg)," Jenn Louie - "[The Tower Crumbles, but Now You Can See the Star: Queer Temporalities, Religious Affects, and Healing Through Tarot Practice](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w6_qxsKgZw4)," Destiny Magnett - "[The Santal Revolt of 1855 and the Impact of Alternative Spirituality on Women](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dHKLgchXi2w)," Ata Mallick and B. R. Ambedkar Satabarshiki Mahavidyalaya - "[Uses and Abuses of Power in Ritual Practice with Ayahuasca](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zw8WuB-CLYY)," Silje Trym Mathiassen - "[Drumming the Oppressed of the Oppressed: Spirit Survivance in Native American Ceremonial Resurgence](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vxR3zzX-bQU)," Delores (Lola) Mondragón - "[The Ongoing Harm of the Term Shamanism: Problematic Misnomer to Evolving Cultural Appropriation](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zS9zjv_wV6Q)," Eric D. Mortensen - "[Association for Spiritual Integrity: Lessons from a Young Organization Making a Difference](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JFOCgvwoO5E)," Jac O'Keeffe, Philip Goldberg, and Rick Archer - "['We Are Not Spiritual Masters': Narrative coding and de-coding of power structures](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SY8NkJGc4rk)," Katharina Opalka - "[Mysticism and Its Discontents: Does Spiritual Illumination Create Its Own Intrinsic Blindness?](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kKMc-fB7fVI)," Carter Phipps - "[Improving Self Improvement: Barriers to Healing for Abuse Survivors When Reading Self-Help Books](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WY3USGLmggg)," Chelsea Irys Rendlen - "[Uses of Power: Individual Consciousness for Collective Consciousness?](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hXCMmS7xzn0)," Sunita Singh Sengupta - "[Powerful is the giving-up of power: The Southwark Mystery of Crossbones Graveyard’s In-casts](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tS7Q9JPK0u4)," Mark Schunemann - "[A Look at Leadership Archetypes in Traditional and Alternative Spiritualities](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J6yfcda9Vz8)," Brian Stafford - "[The Mirror Within: Abuse and Hope in Devotional Spirituality](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4yIaazkRsVw)," Izzy Swanson - "[The Cognitive Disconnect of Goddess Spirituality](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4zCm4JSnhHQ)," Karen Tate - [Weaponized Vulnerability and the Search for Authenticity in Modern Yoga Communities](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X3frJX0hPTc), Patricia Tillman - "[The Use of Faith Power in The Shariah Economic Movement](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nHV4PVDjN4A)," Karim Ullah - "[The Democratization of Power in the Spirit - A Harmonist Perspective](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lF5YRmUCSzg)," Bro. Johannes Zinzendorf ## 2023 Conference Abstracts (listed alphabetically by title) Download 80 citations download- [BibTeX](/bibcite/export?pager_style=standard_pager&number_of_items=30&sort_field=title--asc&taxonomy_filters%5Bfield_hwp_c_conference%5D%5B0%5D%5Btarget_id%5D=177531&taxonomy_filters%5Bfield_hwp_c_topicsforabstracts%5D&&additional_filters%5Btype%5D%5B0%5D%5Bvalue%5D%5B0%5D=conference_paper&additional_filters%5Btype%5D%5B0%5D%5Boperator%5D=IN&format=bibtex) - [EndNote X3 XML](/bibcite/export?pager_style=standard_pager&number_of_items=30&sort_field=title--asc&taxonomy_filters%5Bfield_hwp_c_conference%5D%5B0%5D%5Btarget_id%5D=177531&taxonomy_filters%5Bfield_hwp_c_topicsforabstracts%5D&&additional_filters%5Btype%5D%5B0%5D%5Bvalue%5D%5B0%5D=conference_paper&additional_filters%5Btype%5D%5B0%5D%5Boperator%5D=IN&format=endnote8) - [EndNote 7 XML](/bibcite/export?pager_style=standard_pager&number_of_items=30&sort_field=title--asc&taxonomy_filters%5Bfield_hwp_c_conference%5D%5B0%5D%5Btarget_id%5D=177531&taxonomy_filters%5Bfield_hwp_c_topicsforabstracts%5D&&additional_filters%5Btype%5D%5B0%5D%5Bvalue%5D%5B0%5D=conference_paper&additional_filters%5Btype%5D%5B0%5D%5Boperator%5D=IN&format=endnote7) - [Endnote tagged](/bibcite/export?pager_style=standard_pager&number_of_items=30&sort_field=title--asc&taxonomy_filters%5Bfield_hwp_c_conference%5D%5B0%5D%5Btarget_id%5D=177531&taxonomy_filters%5Bfield_hwp_c_topicsforabstracts%5D&&additional_filters%5Btype%5D%5B0%5D%5Bvalue%5D%5B0%5D=conference_paper&additional_filters%5Btype%5D%5B0%5D%5Boperator%5D=IN&format=tagged) - [Marc](/bibcite/export?pager_style=standard_pager&number_of_items=30&sort_field=title--asc&taxonomy_filters%5Bfield_hwp_c_conference%5D%5B0%5D%5Btarget_id%5D=177531&taxonomy_filters%5Bfield_hwp_c_topicsforabstracts%5D&&additional_filters%5Btype%5D%5B0%5D%5Bvalue%5D%5B0%5D=conference_paper&additional_filters%5Btype%5D%5B0%5D%5Boperator%5D=IN&format=marc) - [PubMedId](/bibcite/export?pager_style=standard_pager&number_of_items=30&sort_field=title--asc&taxonomy_filters%5Bfield_hwp_c_conference%5D%5B0%5D%5Btarget_id%5D=177531&taxonomy_filters%5Bfield_hwp_c_topicsforabstracts%5D&&additional_filters%5Btype%5D%5B0%5D%5Bvalue%5D%5B0%5D=conference_paper&additional_filters%5Btype%5D%5B0%5D%5Boperator%5D=IN&format=pubmed_id) - [RIS](/bibcite/export?pager_style=standard_pager&number_of_items=30&sort_field=title--asc&taxonomy_filters%5Bfield_hwp_c_conference%5D%5B0%5D%5Btarget_id%5D=177531&taxonomy_filters%5Bfield_hwp_c_topicsforabstracts%5D&&additional_filters%5Btype%5D%5B0%5D%5Bvalue%5D%5B0%5D=conference_paper&additional_filters%5Btype%5D%5B0%5D%5Boperator%5D=IN&format=ris) Stafford, Brian. 2023. “[A Look at Leadership Archetypes in Traditional and Alternative Spiritualities](/publications/look-leadership-archetypes-traditional-and-alternative-spiritualities).” in *Uses and Abuses of Power in Alternative Spiritualities*. Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA. Stafford, Brian. 2023. “[A Look at Leadership Archetypes in Traditional and Alternative Spiritualities](/publications/look-leadership-archetypes-traditional-and-alternative-spiritualities).” in *Uses and Abuses of Power in Alternative Spiritualities*. Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA. - add\_circle\_outline do\_not\_disturb\_on Abstract Abstract: The misuse of power in alternative spiritual communities is similar and different than the misuse of power in most mainstream religious communities. In this workshop we will explore an archetypal understanding of leadership and power... Curtis, Morgan. 2023. “[Ancestors and Money: The Spiritual Dimension of Reparations Work for White People](/publications/ancestors-money-spiritual-dimension-reparations-work-white-people).” in *Uses and Abuses of Power in Alternative Spiritualities*. Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA. Curtis, Morgan. 2023. “[Ancestors and Money: The Spiritual Dimension of Reparations Work for White People](/publications/ancestors-money-spiritual-dimension-reparations-work-white-people).” in *Uses and Abuses of Power in Alternative Spiritualities*. Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA. - add\_circle\_outline do\_not\_disturb\_on Abstract - [Watch Presentation Here](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_WI6ljmWPb4) Abstract: “Ancestors & Money: The Spiritual Dimension of Reparations Work for White People” is a learning journey for white people with class privilege committing to redistribution of money, land and power. This approach is designed as a contribution to... - [Watch Presentation Here](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_WI6ljmWPb4) Louie, Jenn. 2023. “[Authority Over the Alternative: The Role of Social Media, Content Moderation and Secularism in Authorizing the Rise and Fall of Alternative Spiritualities](/publications/authority-over-alternative-role-social-media-content-moderation-and-secularism).” in *Uses and Abuses of Power in Alternative Spiritualities*. Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA. Louie, Jenn. 2023. “[Authority Over the Alternative: The Role of Social Media, Content Moderation and Secularism in Authorizing the Rise and Fall of Alternative Spiritualities](/publications/authority-over-alternative-role-social-media-content-moderation-and-secularism).” in *Uses and Abuses of Power in Alternative Spiritualities*. Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA. - add\_circle\_outline do\_not\_disturb\_on Abstract - [Watch Presentation Here](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6gaPEOF3Qbg) Abstract: Through an examination of social media content moderation frameworks applied to moderate the activities and reported abuses and harms of alternative spiritualities, this paper discusses the challenges, power dynamics, and authority placed over... - [Watch Presentation Here](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6gaPEOF3Qbg) Gregorius, Fredrik. 2023. “[Becoming Indigenous? The Development of Nordic Animism](/publications/becoming-indigenous-development-nordic-animism).” in *Uses and Abuses of Power in Alternative Spiritualities*. Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA. Gregorius, Fredrik. 2023. “[Becoming Indigenous? The Development of Nordic Animism](/publications/becoming-indigenous-development-nordic-animism).” in *Uses and Abuses of Power in Alternative Spiritualities*. Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA. - add\_circle\_outline do\_not\_disturb\_on Abstract Abstract: The following paper will look at Nordic Animism. Connected politically to progressive movements in Scandinavia and particularly to Environmentalism, Nordic Animism is one of the most innovative forms of Heathenism to emerge in recent years and a... Sundar, Sudarshan, and Judy Rodgers. 2023. “[Brahma Kumaris: A Women-Led Spiritual Organization Challenging a Male-Dominated Spiritual Landscape](/publications/brahma-kumaris-women-led-spiritual-organization-challenging-male-dominated).” in *Uses and Abuses of Power in Alternative Spiritualities*. Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA. Sundar, Sudarshan, and Judy Rodgers. 2023. “[Brahma Kumaris: A Women-Led Spiritual Organization Challenging a Male-Dominated Spiritual Landscape](/publications/brahma-kumaris-women-led-spiritual-organization-challenging-male-dominated).” in *Uses and Abuses of Power in Alternative Spiritualities*. Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA. - add\_circle\_outline do\_not\_disturb\_on Abstract Abstract: Brahma Kumaris, the largest women-led spiritual organization in the world with over 8000 centers in over 110 countries, has successfully countered the imbalances of power in the spiritual realm in which men dominate as spiritual authorities... Lovejoy, Allegra. 2023. “[Building Safer Spaces: Ethics and Transparency in Alternative Spiritualities](/publications/building-safer-spaces-ethics-and-transparency-alternative-spiritualities).” in *Uses and Abuses of Power in Alternative Spiritualities*. Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA. Lovejoy, Allegra. 2023. “[Building Safer Spaces: Ethics and Transparency in Alternative Spiritualities](/publications/building-safer-spaces-ethics-and-transparency-alternative-spiritualities).” in *Uses and Abuses of Power in Alternative Spiritualities*. Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA. - add\_circle\_outline do\_not\_disturb\_on Abstract Presenter affiliation: Yale University Jemmett, Amy. 2023. “[Can You Find Me?: Growing up in Scientology in 1990s Toronto](/publications/can-you-find-me-growing-scientology-1990s-toronto).” in *Uses and Abuses of Power in Alternative Spiritualities*. Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA. Jemmett, Amy. 2023. “[Can You Find Me?: Growing up in Scientology in 1990s Toronto](/publications/can-you-find-me-growing-scientology-1990s-toronto).” in *Uses and Abuses of Power in Alternative Spiritualities*. Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA. - add\_circle\_outline do\_not\_disturb\_on Abstract Abstract: From the perspective of a former member, this paper employs autoethnography to explore the lived and felt experience of growing up in the Church of Scientology in 1990s Toronto. Using affect theory and psychoanalytic critique, I will examine and... Koehlinger, Amy. 2023. “[Cautions and Correctives to Prevent Religious Abuse in Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy: Lessons from the Oregon Psilocybin Services Initiative](/publications/cautions-and-correctives-prevent-religious-abuse-psychedelic-assisted-therapy).” in *Uses and Abuses of Power in Alternative Spiritualities*. Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA. Koehlinger, Amy. 2023. “[Cautions and Correctives to Prevent Religious Abuse in Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy: Lessons from the Oregon Psilocybin Services Initiative](/publications/cautions-and-correctives-prevent-religious-abuse-psychedelic-assisted-therapy).” in *Uses and Abuses of Power in Alternative Spiritualities*. Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA. - add\_circle\_outline do\_not\_disturb\_on Abstract Abstract: My paper argues that 1) the absence of critical awareness by many leaders in psychedelic-assisted therapy about the historical origins of the specific metaphysical claims they have taken from the field of transpersonal therapy, 2) bolstered by... Osterhold, Helge, and Gisele Fernandes-Osterhold. 2023. “[Chasing the Numinous: Hungry Ghosts in the Shadow of the Psychedelic Renaissance](/publications/chasing-numinous-hungry-ghosts-shadow-psychedelic-renaissance).” in *Uses and Abuses of Power in Alternative Spiritualities*. Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA. Osterhold, Helge, and Gisele Fernandes-Osterhold. 2023. “[Chasing the Numinous: Hungry Ghosts in the Shadow of the Psychedelic Renaissance](/publications/chasing-numinous-hungry-ghosts-shadow-psychedelic-renaissance).” in *Uses and Abuses of Power in Alternative Spiritualities*. Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA. - add\_circle\_outline do\_not\_disturb\_on Abstract Abstract: In recent years, a renewed scientific, public and commercial interest in psychedelic medicines can be observed across the globe. While honoring positive research findings, therapeutic promise, and spiritual possibilities in relation to the... Palmer, Susan. 2023. “[Children and ‘Spiritual Abuse’ in Alternative Spiritualities: Issues of Harm, Questions of Blame, and the Search for Solutions](/publications/children-and-spiritual-abuse-alternative-spiritualities-issues-harm-questions).” in *Uses and Abuses of Power in Alternative Spiritualities*. Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA. Palmer, Susan. 2023. “[Children and ‘Spiritual Abuse’ in Alternative Spiritualities: Issues of Harm, Questions of Blame, and the Search for Solutions](/publications/children-and-spiritual-abuse-alternative-spiritualities-issues-harm-questions).” in *Uses and Abuses of Power in Alternative Spiritualities*. Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA. - add\_circle\_outline do\_not\_disturb\_on Abstract Abstract: This presentation will address the issue of harm to children in alternative spiritualties. Eight specific groups, chosen as cases where children were abused or experienced maltreatment, will be described and analyzed in an endeavour to identify... Di Marzio, Raffaella. 2023. “[Choosing and Leaving a Spiritual Community. Paths of Change and Personal Development](/publications/choosing-and-leaving-spiritual-community-paths-change-and-personal-development).” in *Uses and Abuses of Power in Alternative Spiritualities*. Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA. Di Marzio, Raffaella. 2023. “[Choosing and Leaving a Spiritual Community. Paths of Change and Personal Development](/publications/choosing-and-leaving-spiritual-community-paths-change-and-personal-development).” in *Uses and Abuses of Power in Alternative Spiritualities*. Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA. - add\_circle\_outline do\_not\_disturb\_on Abstract Abstract: This paper presents empirical findings from a qualitative study of affiliation/disaffiliation processes applicable to individuals choosing, changing, or leaving spiritual communities. It is argued that the processes involve internal dynamisms in... Assadourian, Erik, Ian Mowll, and Michelle Merrill. 2023. “[Countering the Eco-Abuses of Dominant Societal Paradigms](/publications/countering-eco-abuses-dominant-societal-paradigms).” in *Uses and Abuses of Power in Alternative Spiritualities*. Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA. Assadourian, Erik, Ian Mowll, and Michelle Merrill. 2023. “[Countering the Eco-Abuses of Dominant Societal Paradigms](/publications/countering-eco-abuses-dominant-societal-paradigms).” in *Uses and Abuses of Power in Alternative Spiritualities*. Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA. - add\_circle\_outline do\_not\_disturb\_on Abstract Abstract: When we live in a system that is fundamentally abusive of Earth’s systems and marginalized peoples, how do ecocentric religions and spiritual communities acknowledge and counter these abuses? How have eco-religions grappled with this question... Jaoudi, Maria. 2023. “[Cultivating Spiritual Experiences: The Chan Buddhist Ox Herding Pictures](/publications/cultivating-spiritual-experiences-chan-buddhist-ox-herding-pictures).” in *Uses and Abuses of Power in Alternative Spiritualities*. Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA. Jaoudi, Maria. 2023. “[Cultivating Spiritual Experiences: The Chan Buddhist Ox Herding Pictures](/publications/cultivating-spiritual-experiences-chan-buddhist-ox-herding-pictures).” in *Uses and Abuses of Power in Alternative Spiritualities*. Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA. - add\_circle\_outline do\_not\_disturb\_on Abstract - [Watch Presentation Here](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ixbpdZGoJPI) Abstract: This workshop will begin with the foundational background in how mystics from many world traditions cultivate through prayer and meditation mindful awareness through original innocence. Contemplating as a group through a PowerPoint of the... - [Watch Presentation Here](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ixbpdZGoJPI) Arredondo, Tianna. 2023. “[Curiosity As Inner-Alchemy](/publications/curiosity-inner-alchemy).” in *Uses and Abuses of Power in Alternative Spiritualities*. Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA. Arredondo, Tianna. 2023. “[Curiosity As Inner-Alchemy](/publications/curiosity-inner-alchemy).” in *Uses and Abuses of Power in Alternative Spiritualities*. Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA. - add\_circle\_outline do\_not\_disturb\_on Abstract Abstract: What if the change we are trying to create can only be actualized in relationship to the amount of change we are able to cultivate within ourselves? What if the more we seek to care for our bodies and care for others equally - we can organically... Shankar, Dwivedi. 2023. “[Daṇḍapāṇi Bhairava in Mokṣadāyinī Kāśī: An Inquiry into the Tantric and Folk Connections of the Purāṇic Guardian-Deity of Banaras](/publications/da%E1%B9%87%E1%B8%8Dap%C4%81%E1%B9%87i-bhairava-mok%E1%B9%A3ad%C4%81yin%C4%AB-k%C4%81%C5%9B%C4%AB-inquiry-tantric-and-folk-connections-pur%C4%81%E1%B9%87ic).” in *Uses and Abuses of Power in Alternative Spiritualities*. Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA. Shankar, Dwivedi. 2023. “[Daṇḍapāṇi Bhairava in Mokṣadāyinī Kāśī: An Inquiry into the Tantric and Folk Connections of the Purāṇic Guardian-Deity of Banaras](/publications/da%E1%B9%87%E1%B8%8Dap%C4%81%E1%B9%87i-bhairava-mok%E1%B9%A3ad%C4%81yin%C4%AB-k%C4%81%C5%9B%C4%AB-inquiry-tantric-and-folk-connections-pur%C4%81%E1%B9%87ic).” in *Uses and Abuses of Power in Alternative Spiritualities*. Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA. - add\_circle\_outline do\_not\_disturb\_on Abstract Abstract: The paper intends to explore the tantric and folk connections of the guardian deity of Banaras— Kāla Bhairava, whose genesis is believed to be from the Shiva Mahapurana. The deity being identified as kotwal (a police officer) or daṇḍapāṇi... Zheng, Matthew. 2023. “[Dharmic Disidentifications: Queer Buddhists of Color, Racial Capitalism, and Power](/publications/dharmic-disidentifications-queer-buddhists-color-racial-capitalism-and-power).” in *Uses and Abuses of Power in Alternative Spiritualities*. Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA. Zheng, Matthew. 2023. “[Dharmic Disidentifications: Queer Buddhists of Color, Racial Capitalism, and Power](/publications/dharmic-disidentifications-queer-buddhists-color-racial-capitalism-and-power).” in *Uses and Abuses of Power in Alternative Spiritualities*. Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA. - add\_circle\_outline do\_not\_disturb\_on Abstract Abstract: This is a scholarly interrogation of mainstream American Buddhism and how queer Buddhists of color offer an evolving, albeit marginalized, set of liberatory possibilities. At both the theoretical and community levels, I find that queer Buddhist... Bentsman, Michelle. 2023. “[Drinking Poison, Integrating Shadows: Paths Toward Community, Integrity & Protection](/publications/drinking-poison-integrating-shadows-paths-toward-community-integrity-protection).” in *Uses and Abuses of Power in Alternative Spiritualities*. Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA. Bentsman, Michelle. 2023. “[Drinking Poison, Integrating Shadows: Paths Toward Community, Integrity & Protection](/publications/drinking-poison-integrating-shadows-paths-toward-community-integrity-protection).” in *Uses and Abuses of Power in Alternative Spiritualities*. Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA. - add\_circle\_outline do\_not\_disturb\_on Abstract Abstract: This paper will explore three pathways for effective shadow work that can be supportive for alternative spiritual and healing communities. The first two are grounded in the context of the ceremonial usage of ayahuasca, but can be applied outside... Mondragón, Delores. 2023. “[Drumming As the Oppressed of the Oppressed: Two Spirit Survivance In the Time of Native American Ceremonial Resurgence](/publications/drumming-oppressed-oppressed-two-spirit-survivance-time-native-american-ceremonial).” in *Uses and Abuses of Power in Alternative Spiritualities*. Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA. Mondragón, Delores. 2023. “[Drumming As the Oppressed of the Oppressed: Two Spirit Survivance In the Time of Native American Ceremonial Resurgence](/publications/drumming-oppressed-oppressed-two-spirit-survivance-time-native-american-ceremonial).” in *Uses and Abuses of Power in Alternative Spiritualities*. Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA. - add\_circle\_outline do\_not\_disturb\_on Abstract Abstract: The return towards recovery of spiritual practices by ceremonial drum-keepers has allowed a cadre of Native American languages to be heard and learned around drum circles as have protocols of sacred protocols. As we move to be a more inclusive... Tarwater, Bonnie. 2023. “[Earth Crisis Support Groups](/publications/earth-crisis-support-groups).” in *Uses and Abuses of Power in Alternative Spiritualities*. Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA. Tarwater, Bonnie. 2023. “[Earth Crisis Support Groups](/publications/earth-crisis-support-groups).” in *Uses and Abuses of Power in Alternative Spiritualities*. Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA. - add\_circle\_outline do\_not\_disturb\_on Abstract Abstract: There are all sorts of small groups that help people to deal with particular problems. We know of no groups that help people to deal with the current threat to human survival. Groups of 6-8 people may be composed of Muslims, atheists or the... Good, Jennifer. 2023. “[Earth-Based Spirituality’s Power to Counter Earthly Disconnection?](/publications/earth-based-spirituality%E2%80%99s-power-counter-earthly-disconnection).” in *Uses and Abuses of Power in Alternative Spiritualities*. Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA. Good, Jennifer. 2023. “[Earth-Based Spirituality’s Power to Counter Earthly Disconnection?](/publications/earth-based-spirituality%E2%80%99s-power-counter-earthly-disconnection).” in *Uses and Abuses of Power in Alternative Spiritualities*. Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA. - add\_circle\_outline do\_not\_disturb\_on Abstract Abstract: This paper shares interviews I have conducted with people who have had spiritual experiences in/of/as nature. These interviews offer a context for, and an exploration of, the ways that alternative spiritualities can counter and challenge the... Dansac, Yael. 2023. “[Embodying Celtic Heritage in Brittany’s Megaliths: Creative Rituality for Cultural Belonging.](/publications/embodying-celtic-heritage-brittany%E2%80%99s-megaliths-creative-rituality-cultural).” in *Uses and Abuses of Power in Alternative Spiritualities*. Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA. Dansac, Yael. 2023. “[Embodying Celtic Heritage in Brittany’s Megaliths: Creative Rituality for Cultural Belonging.](/publications/embodying-celtic-heritage-brittany%E2%80%99s-megaliths-creative-rituality-cultural).” in *Uses and Abuses of Power in Alternative Spiritualities*. Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA. - add\_circle\_outline do\_not\_disturb\_on Abstract Abstract: In the last fifty years, Brittany has undergone a cultural revival characterized by artistic and linguistic manifestations that emphasize the historic relationships between this French region and other Celtic countries. After centuries of being... Harvey, Sarah, and Suzanne Newcombe. 2023. “[Empowerment and Abuse: Gender and Sexuality in Two Syncretistic NRMs](/publications/empowerment-and-abuse-gender-and-sexuality-two-syncretistic-nrms).” in *Uses and Abuses of Power in Alternative Spiritualities*. Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA. Harvey, Sarah, and Suzanne Newcombe. 2023. “[Empowerment and Abuse: Gender and Sexuality in Two Syncretistic NRMs](/publications/empowerment-and-abuse-gender-and-sexuality-two-syncretistic-nrms).” in *Uses and Abuses of Power in Alternative Spiritualities*. Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA. - add\_circle\_outline do\_not\_disturb\_on Abstract Abstract: In this paper, we will focus on exploring the complex power dynamics in two case studies in which the leaders of small, syncretistic religious movements abused their followers. Mohan Singh and Ali X used idiosyncratic religious teachings to... Gracia, Agustina. 2023. “[Empowerment and Agency Among Llave Mariana’s Practitioners: An Ethnographic Approach to an Argentinian Spiritual Movement](/publications/empowerment-and-agency-among-llave-mariana%E2%80%99s-practitioners-ethnographic-approach).” in *Uses and Abuses of Power in Alternative Spiritualities*. Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA. Gracia, Agustina. 2023. “[Empowerment and Agency Among Llave Mariana’s Practitioners: An Ethnographic Approach to an Argentinian Spiritual Movement](/publications/empowerment-and-agency-among-llave-mariana%E2%80%99s-practitioners-ethnographic-approach).” in *Uses and Abuses of Power in Alternative Spiritualities*. Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA. - add\_circle\_outline do\_not\_disturb\_on Abstract - [Watch Presentation Here](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NAAD6EuCUhI) Abstract: The aim of this paper is to introduce a gender perspective on the study of an emerging spiritual movement called Llave Mariana. This spiritual movement mixes New Age elements –taken from Orientalist traditions– with Catholic figures, especially... - [Watch Presentation Here](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NAAD6EuCUhI) Smith, Margaret. 2023. “[Empowerment and Disempowerment in Moral Re-Armament](/publications/empowerment-and-disempowerment-moral-re-armament).” in *Uses and Abuses of Power in Alternative Spiritualities*. Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA. Smith, Margaret. 2023. “[Empowerment and Disempowerment in Moral Re-Armament](/publications/empowerment-and-disempowerment-moral-re-armament).” in *Uses and Abuses of Power in Alternative Spiritualities*. Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA. - add\_circle\_outline do\_not\_disturb\_on Abstract Abstract: Seven distinctive features of the movement are explored in this paper: outreach to the world; divine “guidance”; metaphor of “family”; centrality of morality; notion of collective leadership; exhortations to sacrifice and service; attitudes... Goodwillie, Christian. 2023. “[From Lion to Lamb: The Spiritual Humiliation of Shaker Richard McNemar](/publications/lion-lamb-spiritual-humiliation-shaker-richard-mcnemar).” in *Uses and Abuses of Power in Alternative Spiritualities*. Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA. Goodwillie, Christian. 2023. “[From Lion to Lamb: The Spiritual Humiliation of Shaker Richard McNemar](/publications/lion-lamb-spiritual-humiliation-shaker-richard-mcnemar).” in *Uses and Abuses of Power in Alternative Spiritualities*. Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA. - add\_circle\_outline do\_not\_disturb\_on Abstract - [Watch Presentation Here](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YT7WyKX6UYo) Abstract: Abuses of spiritual power are not usually associated with the Shakers, a sect now regarded as wholesome and American as apple pie. However, during the late 1830s, spiritual forces unleashed as part of an internal religious revival manifested... - [Watch Presentation Here](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YT7WyKX6UYo) Lord, Phil. 2023. “[From the “Cult Watchers” to the ‘Anti-Cult Wars’: Tracing the Path to Rich and Rigorous Scientology Research](/publications/%E2%80%9Ccult-watchers%E2%80%9D-%E2%80%9Canti-cult-wars%E2%80%9D-tracing-path-rich-and-rigorous-scientology).” in *Uses and Abuses of Power in Alternative Spiritualities*. Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA. Lord, Phil. 2023. “[From the “Cult Watchers” to the ‘Anti-Cult Wars’: Tracing the Path to Rich and Rigorous Scientology Research](/publications/%E2%80%9Ccult-watchers%E2%80%9D-%E2%80%9Canti-cult-wars%E2%80%9D-tracing-path-rich-and-rigorous-scientology).” in *Uses and Abuses of Power in Alternative Spiritualities*. Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA. - add\_circle\_outline do\_not\_disturb\_on Abstract Abstract: This presentation discusses persisting challenges in Scientology research and the path forward. It discusses the emergence of a community of scholars who adopt a significantly more favourable stance on Scientology and have impacted the... Burschel, Maria. 2023. “[Genderspecific Manipulation (Gaslighting) through Non-Violent Communication, Spirituality and Biologistic Concepts of Mother- and Fatherhood](/publications/genderspecific-manipulation-gaslighting-through-non-violent-communication).” in *Uses and Abuses of Power in Alternative Spiritualities*. Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA. Burschel, Maria. 2023. “[Genderspecific Manipulation (Gaslighting) through Non-Violent Communication, Spirituality and Biologistic Concepts of Mother- and Fatherhood](/publications/genderspecific-manipulation-gaslighting-through-non-violent-communication).” in *Uses and Abuses of Power in Alternative Spiritualities*. Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA. - add\_circle\_outline do\_not\_disturb\_on Abstract - [Watch Presentation Here](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vWQ2JuvoCZA) Abstract: In this workshop the results of a study in Intentional Communities in Germany will be presented that indicate that naturalistic ideas of mother and fatherhood, non-violent communication and certain aspects of spirituality may enable... - [Watch Presentation Here](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vWQ2JuvoCZA) Breau, Jeffrey. 2023. “[God Came to Party: Psychedelic Spirituality at Burning Man](/publications/god-came-party-psychedelic-spirituality-burning-man).” in *Uses and Abuses of Power in Alternative Spiritualities*. Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA. Breau, Jeffrey. 2023. “[God Came to Party: Psychedelic Spirituality at Burning Man](/publications/god-came-party-psychedelic-spirituality-burning-man).” in *Uses and Abuses of Power in Alternative Spiritualities*. Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA. - add\_circle\_outline do\_not\_disturb\_on Abstract Abstract: This paper explores psychedelic-using spiritual communities operating at the annual Burning Man festival. The paper focuses on communities-of-care and harm reduction practices which allow the 70k person city to function, as well as rituals and... Khalsa, Nirinjan. 2023. “[Healthy Happy Holy? Harm and Healing in Sikh Dharma’s Kundalini Yoga Community](/publications/healthy-happy-holy-harm-and-healing-sikh-dharmas-kundalini-yoga-community).” in *Uses and Abuses of Power in Alternative Spiritualities*. Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA. Khalsa, Nirinjan. 2023. “[Healthy Happy Holy? Harm and Healing in Sikh Dharma’s Kundalini Yoga Community](/publications/healthy-happy-holy-harm-and-healing-sikh-dharmas-kundalini-yoga-community).” in *Uses and Abuses of Power in Alternative Spiritualities*. Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA. - add\_circle\_outline do\_not\_disturb\_on Abstract - [Watch Presentation Here](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yjcsVk3F77E) Abstract: In January 2020, women came forward detailing sexual misconduct and other abuses by Yogi Bhajan (b.1929-d.2004), the spiritual teacher of the "Healthy Happy Holy" (3HO) community of Kundalini Yoga/Sikh Dharma practitioners. Through my... - [Watch Presentation Here](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yjcsVk3F77E) Rendlen, Chelsea. 2023. “[Improving Self Improvement: How ‘The Untethered Soul’ Exemplifies Barriers to Healing for Abuse Survivors When Reading Self-Help Books](/publications/improving-self-improvement-how-untethered-soul-exemplifies-barriers-healing-abuse).” in *Uses and Abuses of Power in Alternative Spiritualities*. Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA. Rendlen, Chelsea. 2023. “[Improving Self Improvement: How ‘The Untethered Soul’ Exemplifies Barriers to Healing for Abuse Survivors When Reading Self-Help Books](/publications/improving-self-improvement-how-untethered-soul-exemplifies-barriers-healing-abuse).” in *Uses and Abuses of Power in Alternative Spiritualities*. Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA. - add\_circle\_outline do\_not\_disturb\_on Abstract Abstract: Self-help books are one of the most accessible and prolific methods of spiritual education available. However, many of the most popular and well-regarded self-help books may still be causing harm. Using my background as a domestic violence... - Previous page chevron\_left - [1](?page=0 "Current page") - [2](?page=1 "Go to page 2") - [3](?page=2 "Go to page 3") - [ Next page chevron\_right ](?page=1 "Go to next page")