Beiträge zur Praxeologie / Contributions to Praxeology
2026
Bettina E. Schmidt
Abstract The paper sets out the study of mediumship and other forms of non-ordinary experiences within a “glocal” conceptual frame that highlights the need to build universalising concepts from local contexts. Based on anthropological research about mediumship in religious and Spiritist communities in São Paulo, the paper argues that while mediumship is regarded as a set of global skills, local...
Sociedade e Estado
November 25, 2024
Bettina E. Schmidt, Kate J. Stockly
Abstract This article illustrates the complexity of non-ordinary experiences during the pandemic, highlighting accounts of three different types of experiences: encounters with divine bliss, anger, and evil. The focus is on four narrative accounts of non-ordinary experiences that were submitted by email in response to a wider research project about religious, spiritual, and otherwise...
Ideas of Possession
October 29, 2024
Bettina E. Schmidt
Abstract Drawing on fieldwork in different religious communities in Brazil, this chapter explores spirit possession as cultural practice, with a particular focus on candomblé, one of the most celebrated African-derived religions in Brazil. The chapter includes an interview with one member about his difficult journey into this religion and his experience with the divine. Drawing on comments from...
Interdisciplinary Journal for Religion and Transformation in Contemporary Society
August 1, 2023
Bettina E. Schmidt, Kate J. Stockly
5 citations
Abstract This paper presents new research about spiritual experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic. The aim is to discuss the impact of spiritual experiences on people’s lives and relationships. Building upon William James’ four features of the “fruits” of religious experience as a conceptual frame, the paper presents data from two surveys in which participants narrated spiritual experiences...
Anthropos
2014
Bettina E. Schmidt
4 citations
Spirit possession is the core religious practice in most Afro- American religions. It is usually described as "mounting"; the spirit "rides" the body of the devotee as a horseman rides a horse. The description projects the image that a spirit takes control over the body of the medium and "uses" the human medium; the body of the person is passive and submissive, while the spirit is active and...
Anthropos
2012
Bettina E. Schmidt
1 citation
Anthropos , Seite 276 - 277