Religion and Magic

All societies incorporate religion to provide meaning and explain the unknown. This program illustrates & describes examples of religion and defines the difference between religion and magic. It includes American Indians practicing animism, demonstrating their belief in the Great Spirit and attempting to restore the balance between good & evil by the ritualistic carvings of a medicine mask. Also shown are scenes of religious practices among the Highland Maya, who have combined ancient beliefs and Roman Catholicism; the ritual of the Eka Dasa Tudra, a complicated ceremony celebrated by the Balinese that links the worlds of gods, people and demons; and modern Hare Krishnas in Los Angeles. Revitalization movements, such as those of the Mormons, also are depicted. The program concludes with a look at modern industrial nations where religious practices have been separated from the secular aspects of life & culture; and there is brief discussion of science vs. religion in modern societies.