In the 60's the common western family was christian. The thoughts of these people did not go outside the boarders of their faith. It was blasphemous to think of any other religion to make any seance. Also during this time the Beatles were one of the most influential group of people. Everything that they did, was analysed and looked at under a microscope. In the mid 60's the Beatles went on a spiritual journey to India with the beloved guru Maharishi Yogi. He opened their eyes to new ways of thinking and the eastern religious world, a unknown area at the time.
The song Across the Universe is a prime example of postmodernism because of the radical interpretation of religion given in the song. The song contains a religion built out of the western Christianity and eastern Hinduism. This concoction of religions was a unheard and at the time and a taboo idea. In the song Lennon sings "Jai Guru Deva. Om. Nothings gonna change my world. Nothings gonna change my world..." The postmodernist is willing to be "spiritual", but avoided "religion." He likes the former because it involves making your faith your own, not following a strict set of rules. This song is a great example of postmodernism because of it unorthodox interpretation of religion.
I love your idea that the postmodernist shrugs off religion, in exchange for the spiritual roots that religion is supposed to be focused on. I think that sometimes gets clouded by the politics of religion and the deeper meaning is lost. Religion was a great example, I feel like more and more people feel this way about it as time progresses.
ReplyDeleteAs someone with no ties to any religious body, the idea of spirituality vs. practiced religion has always intrigued me. The idea is certainly postmodern, defying all the normalities of religion as it has been recognized in the past. I also feel you on the Beatles.
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