Lil L C Osborn - Academia.edu (original) (raw)
Books by Lil L C Osborn
Handbook of Islamic Sects and Movements, 2021
Papers by Lil L C Osborn
All rights reserved INFORMATION TO ALL USERS The quality of this reproduction is d e p e n d e n ... more All rights reserved INFORMATION TO ALL USERS The quality of this reproduction is d e p e n d e n t u p on the quality of the co p y subm itted. In the unlikely e v e n t that the author did not send a c o m p le t e m anuscript and there are missing p a g e s , these will be n o ted. Also, if m aterial had to be rem o v ed , a n o te will in d ica te the d eletio n .
Alternative Spirituality and Religion Review, 2011
Baha'i Studies Review, Jun 1, 2012
In investigating the relationship between the Baha'is and the Western Esoteric Tradition several ... more In investigating the relationship between the Baha'is and the Western Esoteric Tradition several individuals emerge as important in both circles; however, none are as prominent in as many fields as Robert Felkin. Felkin was notable as a physician, a missionary, an Anglican, a magician and a Baha'i. The purpose of this paper is to examine his life and work in the context of his search for Ascended Masters and the multiplicity of identities and roles he assumed.
BRILL eBooks, Jun 23, 2021
Alternative Spirituality and Religion Review, 2013
Handbook of Islamic Sects and Movements, 2021
RE Today, 2013
Whenever I have been berated by a student for failing to teach "English religion" I've responded ... more Whenever I have been berated by a student for failing to teach "English religion" I've responded by asking just what is an English religion? The response has always been "Christianity", allowing me to point out smugly that Christianity is no more English than Islam or Buddhism. That a Middle Eastern religion has become so well
Alternative Spirituality and Religion Review, 2012
Pomegranate: The International Journal of Pagan Studies, 2009
CESNUR reproduces or quotes documents from the media and different sources on a number of religio... more CESNUR reproduces or quotes documents from the media and different sources on a number of religious issues. Unless otherwise indicated, the opinions expressed are those of the document's author(s), not of CESNUR or its directors. The purpose of this paper is to make comparisons between the growth and potential for further development of the Baha'i Faith and Wicca in Britain. This study uses the Theory of Relevance developed by Sperber and Wilson to explain cognition in the field of linguistics and applied to the field of religious studies by the author in an earlier work. The paper begins by outlining the milieu in which both traditions began and notes possible overlaps of individuals and networks. It continues by contrasting motifs of beliefs and values between the two systems and investigates the history of both by arguing that relevance is the driving force in their respective development. Thus, the Baha'i Faith which began by attracting radical and progressive elements gradually became more conservative as its principles became generally accepted and its legalistic structure ensured the upholding of traditional concepts of family and sexuality. Conversely, the interaction with feminism and the ecology movement caused Wiccans to embrace a radical and inclusive perspective which was not present in the inception of Gardnerian tradition. Finally, the potential for growth and influence of both traditions is assessed within the context of the Theory of Relevance.
Alternative Spirituality and Religion Review, 2013
Alternative Spirituality and Religion Review, 2011
International Journal for the Study of New Religions, 2015
An investigation into the role of indigenous men in the early Baha'i community in the British Isles
Powerpoint which goes with the paper "Men & the Baha'i Faith" given at the Baha'i Studies Seminar... more Powerpoint which goes with the paper "Men & the Baha'i Faith" given at the Baha'i Studies Seminar, Kellogg College, Oxford July 2016
The Baha’i Faith claims to be the eight largest and second most widespread religion in the world,... more The Baha’i Faith claims to be the eight largest and second most widespread religion in the world, superficially it appears to be a fusion of Shiite millennialism, Western social radicalism and a benign globalist perspective. This paper seeks to reappraise a forgotten aspect of the introduction of the Baha’i Faith to the West, the importance of individuals seeped in the mystical, the occult and esoteric to the creation of the synthesis of modernity and mysticism which underpins the Baha’i perspective.
The purpose of this study was to: To define autistic spirituality & religiosity To investigate... more The purpose of this study was to:
To define autistic spirituality & religiosity
To investigate the perceived link between autistic spirituality and Black Metal music
To create teaching resources to develop spirituality through RE in in an ASC specific setting
This paper examines the possibility that people on the Autistic Spectrum experience spirituality and religion differently from their neurotypical counterparts and that, consequently, the development of spirituality as a whole school issue and the teaching of Religious Education to school students with Autistic Spectrum Conditions (ASC) requires specific ASC attuned strategies.
Alternative Spirituality & Religion Review 3.2, Feb 28, 2013
This paper examines the role of Mary Magdalene in the Baha’i tradition. ‘Abdu’l Baha son of the f... more This paper examines the role of Mary Magdalene in the Baha’i tradition. ‘Abdu’l Baha son of the founder of the Baha’i Faith spoke of Mary Magdalene on numerous occasions, referring to her as the ‘Lioness of God’ and extolling her as an exemplar to his followers, ‘My hope is that each one of you may become as Mary Magdalene – for this woman was superior to all the men of her time and her reality is ever shining from the horizon of Christ.’ Mary Magdalene is portrayed as a female archetype in the context of the doctrine of ‘return’ which describes how in each revelatory cycle the phenomenon of recurring archetypal events and dramatis personae occur. Mary Magdalene is thus linked to the Persian Poet Tahirih, the immortal heroine of the Babi-Baha’i dispensation. 'Abdu'l-Bahá portrays Mary Magdalene as a courageous woman, venturing out into a hostile and dangerous environment, firmly determined to fulfil her mission and propagate the Cause of God. By doing so, she provided a role-model for the fearful followers of Jesus who had gone into hiding. The parallels to Tahirih, in terms of courage, determination and leadership qualities, cannot be overlooked.
Keywords
Mary Magdalene, Immortal Heroines, Baha'i Faith, ‘Abdu’l Bah, Tahirih, Juliet Thompson
In investigating the relationship between the Baha’is and the Western Esoteric Tradition several ... more In investigating the relationship between the Baha’is and the Western Esoteric Tradition several individuals emerge as important in both circles, however, none are as prominent in as many fields as Robert Felkin. Felkin was notable as a physician, a missionary, an Anglican, a magician and a Baha’i. The purpose of this paper is to examine his life and work in the context of his search for Ascended Masters and the multiplicity of identities and roles he assumed
Handbook of Islamic Sects and Movements, 2021
All rights reserved INFORMATION TO ALL USERS The quality of this reproduction is d e p e n d e n ... more All rights reserved INFORMATION TO ALL USERS The quality of this reproduction is d e p e n d e n t u p on the quality of the co p y subm itted. In the unlikely e v e n t that the author did not send a c o m p le t e m anuscript and there are missing p a g e s , these will be n o ted. Also, if m aterial had to be rem o v ed , a n o te will in d ica te the d eletio n .
Alternative Spirituality and Religion Review, 2011
Baha'i Studies Review, Jun 1, 2012
In investigating the relationship between the Baha'is and the Western Esoteric Tradition several ... more In investigating the relationship between the Baha'is and the Western Esoteric Tradition several individuals emerge as important in both circles; however, none are as prominent in as many fields as Robert Felkin. Felkin was notable as a physician, a missionary, an Anglican, a magician and a Baha'i. The purpose of this paper is to examine his life and work in the context of his search for Ascended Masters and the multiplicity of identities and roles he assumed.
BRILL eBooks, Jun 23, 2021
Alternative Spirituality and Religion Review, 2013
Handbook of Islamic Sects and Movements, 2021
RE Today, 2013
Whenever I have been berated by a student for failing to teach "English religion" I've responded ... more Whenever I have been berated by a student for failing to teach "English religion" I've responded by asking just what is an English religion? The response has always been "Christianity", allowing me to point out smugly that Christianity is no more English than Islam or Buddhism. That a Middle Eastern religion has become so well
Alternative Spirituality and Religion Review, 2012
Pomegranate: The International Journal of Pagan Studies, 2009
CESNUR reproduces or quotes documents from the media and different sources on a number of religio... more CESNUR reproduces or quotes documents from the media and different sources on a number of religious issues. Unless otherwise indicated, the opinions expressed are those of the document's author(s), not of CESNUR or its directors. The purpose of this paper is to make comparisons between the growth and potential for further development of the Baha'i Faith and Wicca in Britain. This study uses the Theory of Relevance developed by Sperber and Wilson to explain cognition in the field of linguistics and applied to the field of religious studies by the author in an earlier work. The paper begins by outlining the milieu in which both traditions began and notes possible overlaps of individuals and networks. It continues by contrasting motifs of beliefs and values between the two systems and investigates the history of both by arguing that relevance is the driving force in their respective development. Thus, the Baha'i Faith which began by attracting radical and progressive elements gradually became more conservative as its principles became generally accepted and its legalistic structure ensured the upholding of traditional concepts of family and sexuality. Conversely, the interaction with feminism and the ecology movement caused Wiccans to embrace a radical and inclusive perspective which was not present in the inception of Gardnerian tradition. Finally, the potential for growth and influence of both traditions is assessed within the context of the Theory of Relevance.
Alternative Spirituality and Religion Review, 2013
Alternative Spirituality and Religion Review, 2011
International Journal for the Study of New Religions, 2015
An investigation into the role of indigenous men in the early Baha'i community in the British Isles
Powerpoint which goes with the paper "Men & the Baha'i Faith" given at the Baha'i Studies Seminar... more Powerpoint which goes with the paper "Men & the Baha'i Faith" given at the Baha'i Studies Seminar, Kellogg College, Oxford July 2016
The Baha’i Faith claims to be the eight largest and second most widespread religion in the world,... more The Baha’i Faith claims to be the eight largest and second most widespread religion in the world, superficially it appears to be a fusion of Shiite millennialism, Western social radicalism and a benign globalist perspective. This paper seeks to reappraise a forgotten aspect of the introduction of the Baha’i Faith to the West, the importance of individuals seeped in the mystical, the occult and esoteric to the creation of the synthesis of modernity and mysticism which underpins the Baha’i perspective.
The purpose of this study was to: To define autistic spirituality & religiosity To investigate... more The purpose of this study was to:
To define autistic spirituality & religiosity
To investigate the perceived link between autistic spirituality and Black Metal music
To create teaching resources to develop spirituality through RE in in an ASC specific setting
This paper examines the possibility that people on the Autistic Spectrum experience spirituality and religion differently from their neurotypical counterparts and that, consequently, the development of spirituality as a whole school issue and the teaching of Religious Education to school students with Autistic Spectrum Conditions (ASC) requires specific ASC attuned strategies.
Alternative Spirituality & Religion Review 3.2, Feb 28, 2013
This paper examines the role of Mary Magdalene in the Baha’i tradition. ‘Abdu’l Baha son of the f... more This paper examines the role of Mary Magdalene in the Baha’i tradition. ‘Abdu’l Baha son of the founder of the Baha’i Faith spoke of Mary Magdalene on numerous occasions, referring to her as the ‘Lioness of God’ and extolling her as an exemplar to his followers, ‘My hope is that each one of you may become as Mary Magdalene – for this woman was superior to all the men of her time and her reality is ever shining from the horizon of Christ.’ Mary Magdalene is portrayed as a female archetype in the context of the doctrine of ‘return’ which describes how in each revelatory cycle the phenomenon of recurring archetypal events and dramatis personae occur. Mary Magdalene is thus linked to the Persian Poet Tahirih, the immortal heroine of the Babi-Baha’i dispensation. 'Abdu'l-Bahá portrays Mary Magdalene as a courageous woman, venturing out into a hostile and dangerous environment, firmly determined to fulfil her mission and propagate the Cause of God. By doing so, she provided a role-model for the fearful followers of Jesus who had gone into hiding. The parallels to Tahirih, in terms of courage, determination and leadership qualities, cannot be overlooked.
Keywords
Mary Magdalene, Immortal Heroines, Baha'i Faith, ‘Abdu’l Bah, Tahirih, Juliet Thompson
In investigating the relationship between the Baha’is and the Western Esoteric Tradition several ... more In investigating the relationship between the Baha’is and the Western Esoteric Tradition several individuals emerge as important in both circles, however, none are as prominent in as many fields as Robert Felkin. Felkin was notable as a physician, a missionary, an Anglican, a magician and a Baha’i. The purpose of this paper is to examine his life and work in the context of his search for Ascended Masters and the multiplicity of identities and roles he assumed
Jan Teofil Jasion. Never Be Afraid to Dare: The Story of 'General Jack'. Oxford: George Ronald, 2... more Jan Teofil Jasion. Never Be Afraid to Dare: The Story of 'General Jack'. Oxford: George Ronald, 2001. xv + 352 pp. £12.95 (paper), ISBN 978-0-85398-449-8.
Wicca and the Christian Heritage, Ritual, Sex and Magic. Joanne Pearson. London: Routledge, 2007.... more Wicca and the Christian Heritage, Ritual, Sex and Magic. Joanne Pearson. London: Routledge, 2007. xiii +175 pp. Paper: £22.99. ISBN 978-0-415-25414-4.
Presented at ABS Conference Oxford, 2019
An examination of the influence of Baha'i Teachings on the spiritual practises of Alice Buckton, ... more An examination of the influence of Baha'i Teachings on the spiritual practises of Alice Buckton, in relation to her pilgrimage route through Glastonbury.
The Extraordinary Life and Work of Alice Mary Buckton- Baha’i Mystic Abstract for ABS Seminar New... more The Extraordinary Life and Work of Alice Mary Buckton- Baha’i Mystic
Abstract for ABS Seminar Newcastle Weekend 25th, 26th & 27th July 2014
This is the third of three papers dealing with people who both self identified and were recognised by others as Baha’is, whilst simultaneously being involved with esoteric orders and occult practices. The two earlier papers dealt with Robert Felkin and Wellesley Tudor Pole, this paper examines the life and work of Alice Mary Buckton (1867 – 1944).
Buckton was, truly a polymath, writer, poet, film maker, educationalist, feminist and above all a mystic. She was a central figure in the re-establishment of Glastonbury as the premier spiritual centre of England, as well as an important figure in the Baha’i Movement. She visited Abdul Baha in Egypt and received him at her home in Surrey; she addressed a number of public meetings on behalf of the Baha’is. She travelled to the United States and met with Baha’is there. Unlike either Felkin or Pole she and her partner Anett Schepel both appear on the list of voters for the earliest Baha’i elections, suggesting they made a conscious choice to be Baha’is at that time.
The purpose of this paper is to examine Buckton’s understanding of the Baha’i teachings in the context of her wider belief system which incorporated Christian mysticism, as well as ideas which would underpin the re emergence of Paganism. Indeed, as well as Baha’is, Buckton was well acquainted with important figures in a wide spectrum of movements which sought spiritual revival. Her neighbours in Glastonbury were Dion Fortune and Katherine Maltwood, her guests included Margaret Murray.
for ABS Seminar Newcastle Weekend 27/28 th July 2013 This paper seeks to evaluate the role of Wel... more for ABS Seminar Newcastle Weekend 27/28 th July 2013 This paper seeks to evaluate the role of Wellesley Tudor Pole in the Baha'i Movement and examine the place of Baha'ism in the wider context of The Quest which dominated Pole's spiritual life for several decades. Recent research has brought to light further information surrounding Pole's beliefs about the bowl he discovered in Glastonbury and its links to a lost library in Constantinople, his spirit guides and their role in conflicts in different spheres.