Nostalgia and religion

I have discovered, (I think) from observation that in the immigrant community I am involved with, that much of religion is influenced by nostalgia, reminiscing of the old days, not so much about 'now' as 'then'.

There is great comfort in reliving a happy past, and it serves a purpose. For example, if a person went camping or fishing in a certain place in their youth, and they're feeling stressed from today's world, they might go for a drive.

It's much like family reunions, at least the part where its reminiscing, and not about getting up to date.

Maybe this observation also has to do with the habit mind (subconscious) and a person continues the faith mostly out of that sense, not truly believing in it, but it's because of "We've always gone to church on Sundays".

So, in your faith, or in your specific faith setting, how much of it might be nostalgia, and how much is current real belief?

Will I be denied moksha because I am nostalgic?

मैत्रावरुणिः;3564942 said:

Will I be denied moksha because I am nostalgic?

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As stated by you several times, you don't even desire moksha so it is a moot point.

Vinayaka said:

As stated by you several times, you don't even desire moksha so it is a moot point.

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Yay!!
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A lot of the people that I know are not that religious. They identify as a certain religion, but are not orthodox. They are more concerned about being model citizens and with becoming successful.

You know, I'm not even sure how to approach this topic because it has a special relevance to contemporary Paganism. Neopaganism as a religious movement is predicated on reviving and reinvisioning Paganisms of antiquity; given it looks to the past for inspiration, one could say Neopaganisms are - in a sense - grounded in nostalgia very deliberately. In particular, a reconnection to reality/nature around us has strong pull in the movement. But I think that contemporary Pagans very much make their paths about the right here and the right now, in spite of drawing upon Paganisms of antiquity for inspiration.

Quintessence said:

You know, I'm not even sure how to approach this topic because it has a special relevance to contemporary Paganism. Neopaganism as a religious movement is predicated on reviving and reinvisioning Paganisms of antiquity; given it looks to the past for inspiration, one could say Neopaganisms are - in a sense - grounded in nostalgia very deliberately. In particular, a reconnection to reality/nature around us has strong pull in the movement. But I think that contemporary Pagans very much make their paths about the right here and the right now, in spite of drawing upon Paganisms of antiquity for inspiration.

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Thank you for the insights. I think your faith would stand out as 'different' just what you described. I think I had it more in mind of "Why are you here?" as it pertains to an individual in worship.

Quintessence said:

You know, I'm not even sure how to approach this topic because it has a special relevance to contemporary Paganism. Neopaganism as a religious movement is predicated on reviving and reinvisioning Paganisms of antiquity; given it looks to the past for inspiration, one could say Neopaganisms are - in a sense - grounded in nostalgia very deliberately. In particular, a reconnection to reality/nature around us has strong pull in the movement. But I think that contemporary Pagans very much make their paths about the right here and the right now, in spite of drawing upon Paganisms of antiquity for inspiration.

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The neopagans who try to adapt ancient religions to modern situations and sensibilities are living in the here and now (probably moreso than a lot of Christians 'round here, since many neopagans aren't born into it).

The neopagans who try to actually perform historical reenactments of how rituals and whatnot were done exactly as they used to be are definitely nostalgic.

Quintessence said:

You know, I'm not even sure how to approach this topic because it has a special relevance to contemporary Paganism. Neopaganism as a religious movement is predicated on reviving and reinvisioning Paganisms of antiquity; given it looks to the past for inspiration, one could say Neopaganisms are - in a sense - grounded in nostalgia very deliberately. In particular, a reconnection to reality/nature around us has strong pull in the movement. But I think that contemporary Pagans very much make their paths about the right here and the right now, in spite of drawing upon Paganisms of antiquity for inspiration.

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I know it's not exactly what the OP is asking, but same here. Gnosticism is essentially a reconstructionist movement as well, though probably not to the extent that Neopaganism is.

I think that if I have any sense of nostalgia, it's left over from former lives.

I don't know, Christianity is a lot to do with living in the present and ignoring the world, But looking to the Kingdom of God.

Matthew 6:34
Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.


Philippians 4:8-9
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence,
if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things,
and the God of peace will be with you.


Ephesians 4:31-32
Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you,
along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.

Romans 12:17-21
Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all.



It doesn't really encourage nostalgia, Except for learning from the past.

I've come to my faith late in life, so for me, the link between my current faith and nostalgia for the old days isn't very tangible. I associate the holidays of my former faith (Christmas, Easter, etc) with nostalgia for family and friends. This is more of a secular nostaliga, rather then wishing for a religious connection to the past. Holidays just happened to also be the time when the family was all together, so the connection is unavoidable.

For me, the "old days" of Hinduism, can at best, only be imagined. These imaginings can be based on research and exploration, but I will not have the benefit of experience in this life to back up those imaginings.

For me, the focus is in the present. How do I connect with my faith now? - now that I am so "far behind", in a manner of speaking. It's a longing for a different kind of connection. Not a connection to the past, but a connection to what's authentic now. I also spend some time wondering about the future. Where do I go from here? How do I solidify my faith, now that I've found a connection?

:camp:

I was sort of witness to a large immigrating community, the Ukrainian pioneers to western Canada. At one time, in about 1 60 by 60 mile area, there were probably close to a hundred Ukrainian Orthodox, Russian Orthodox, Ukrainian Catholic churches. Those small buildings were everywhere. At fist a true religiosity was mixed with the nostalgia of the 'old country'. But over about 3 generations, the language was lost, much of the culture was lost, and today I think only 2 of those churches function. In many smaller towns, other churches no longer function, and there is more to it than everyone moving away. Nostalgia only lasts for awhile

Of course there are many other factors like technology making the family farm no longer viable, but is this a lesson for my dear Hindu (the immigrant one) community, and others? If so, what can be done to redirect the trend?

Oh how I long for the halcyon days of the Auto-da-Fe, when we could roast weenies and reminisce about the good old days of Nero's roman candles. Ah, good times, good times.

Vinayaka said:

I have discovered, (I think) from observation that in the immigrant community I am involved with, that much of religion is influenced by nostalgia, reminiscing of the old days, not so much about 'now' as 'then'.

There is great comfort in reliving a happy past, and it serves a purpose. For example, if a person went camping or fishing in a certain place in their youth, and they're feeling stressed from today's world, they might go for a drive.

It's much like family reunions, at least the part where its reminiscing, and not about getting up to date.

Maybe this observation also has to do with the habit mind (subconscious) and a person continues the faith mostly out of that sense, not truly believing in it, but it's because of "We've always gone to church on Sundays".

So, in your faith, or in your specific faith setting, how much of it might be nostalgia, and how much is current real belief?

Click to expand...

If it wasn't for 'nostalgia' I wouldn't have become a Hindu again.

I had to remember how I used to love God, to be able to feel that again after years of being a householder and not worshiping God much during that time.

Yes, a lot of it is nostalgia and I don't know how much of that relates to my 'current real belief', but I figured that any belief is better than having none at all.

I also figured that if Siva didn't want me to worship Him, He wouldn't have appeared before me last December going 'whatever did I do to make you ignore me for so long?' (I became disenchanted with Hinduism and lived as a non-Hindu for 15yrs). When I had this Darshan, I fell to the floor in tears and instantly regained my Faith.

So, a lot of it is nostalgic and I have to 'update my beliefs' or something, so it's not nostalgia anymore....but I don't think that matters.

NobodyYouKnow said:

If it wasn't for 'nostalgia' I wouldn't have become a Hindu again.

I had to remember how I used to love God, to be able to feel that again after years of being a householder and not worshiping God much during that time.

Yes, a lot of it is nostalgia and I don't know how much of that relates to my 'current real belief', but I figured that any belief is better than having none at all.

I also figured that if Siva didn't want me to worship Him, He wouldn't have appeared before me last December going 'whatever did I do to make you ignore me for so long?' (I became disenchanted with Hinduism and lived as a non-Hindu for 15yrs). When I had this Darshan, I fell to the floor in tears and instantly regained my Faith.

So, a lot of it is nostalgic and I have to 'update my beliefs' or something, so it's not nostalgia anymore....but I don't think that matters.

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NYK, I think this is reasonably common ... to have a lapse in intensity of devotion ... and then come back to it. Certainly I went through that, but not really because of being disenchanted, more from just being too busy with career and helping raise 5 kids. When you're the family chauffeur, have a demanding job, etc., religious practice is put on the backburner.

I have nothing against nostalgia personally, as it applies to someone else. Whatever works for you. As I said before, there is great comfort in it. It's also just a product of the subconscious mind. But more on a personal level, I 'need' to be in the now, so to speak, out of the past and into the present. But as you say, Siva has a definite way, when He provides darshan, of pulling awareness completely and directly into the present.