Adventures in “belief”: Hearing an old concept in a new key

The well-worn critique of “belief” as inadequate for understanding ritual motivation and practice has become a truism in need reevaluation. For groups who foreground the establishment truth practice, is useful analytic term that brings together propositions commitment to relationships systems articulating those propositions. Spiritualism religious movement which mediums attempt communicate between spirits deceased people their loved ones. As Spiritualist see it, main job provide “proof survival”—evidence they are really touch with spirit world. In doing so, “serve Spirit,” working on behalf Drawing Bakhtin's treatment dialogism architectonics, I urge rethinking never-completed project worked intersubjectively. This approach belief not only makes sense analysis insist importance claims but also liberates use outside Christian self-consciously modern contexts, Bakhtinian grounded model utterance interactivity general any specific or pattern interaction. La desgastada crítica de la “creencia” como inadecuada para entender motivación y práctica se ha convertido en una obviedad necesaria ser reevaluada. Para los grupos que ponen relieve el establecimiento verdad ritual, es un térmico analítico útil articula proposiciones compromiso con las relaciones sistemas articulan esas proposiciones. El espiritismo movimiento religioso cual médiums intentan comunicar espíritus personas fallecidas sus seres queridos. Como espiritistas lo ven, su trabajo principal dar “prueba supervivencia” –evidencia ellos están realmente contacto mundo espiritual-. Al hacerlo, “sirven al espíritu,” trabajando nombre aquellos espiritual. Basados tratamiento Bakhtin dialogismo arquitectura insto repensar proyecto nunca completado trabajado intersubjetivamente. Esta aproximación creencia no sólo tiene sentido análisis insisten importancia afirmaciones verdad, sino también libera término uso por fuera contextos cristianos autoconscientemente modernos, medida Bakhtiniano está sustentado modelo expresión e interactividad general, o patrón interacción específica. [creencia, religión, espiritismo, Australia] éculée voulant les “croyances” (foi, conviction) soient inadéquates pour comprendre motivations et pratiques rituelles est devenu cliché qui doit d’être réévalué. Dans groupes où il convenu paroles dites lors des rituels sont empreintes vérité, représentent cadre analytique adéquat permettant mettre relation avec le dévouement envers relations systèmes articulant ces Le spiritualisme mouvement religieux dans lequel tentent d’établir communication entre esprits morts leurs proches. Pour spiritualistes, tâche principale consiste à démontrer qu'ils réellement contact monde peuvent fournir une “preuve survie.” Se faisant, ils “servent Esprits,” c'est-à-dire travaillent compte du esprits. En me basant sur notions dialogisme d'architectonique telles définies par Bakhtin, je suggère réinventer notion “croyance” conceptualiser plutôt comme projet intersubjectif inachevé. Comme Bakhtinien tire ses racines l'interactivité général, non pas spécifiques ou modèles d'interaction, cette approche croyance appropriée seulement l'analyse insistant l'importance d'identifier ce vrai, mais rend aussi applicable l'extérieur contextes sciemment modernes Chrétiens. [Croyances, religion, rituel, Spiritualisme, Australie] It now half century since Rodney Needham (1972, 188) argued an English-language distinctly category and, such, “does belong ‘the common behaviour mankind.’” A decade later, Malcolm Ruel (1982) analyzed changing understandings history like Needham, found term's applicability contexts problematic. particularly well-known from 1990s was Talal Asad's (1993) attack Clifford Geertz's ([1966] 1973) definition religion its grounding belief. More-recent work added nuance these critiques. example, Galina Lindquist Simon Coleman (2008), urging reflexive skeptical term, have suggested thinking “against” more productive than it. key intervention Joel Robbins (2007). Wilfred Cantwell Smith, observes belief-as-proposition (“belief that”) claim always carries suggestion alternatives, whereas belief-as-commitment in”) suggests trust certainty. agrees Smith's description long-term historical shift primary meaning changed proposition. Along this came more-recent one believing subject moved usually being grammatically first person (“I believe, we believe”) third (“she believes, believe”). later formulation belief, (2007, 14) observes, generates “the kinds statements much anthropological discussion culture based” (see Pouillon, [1982] 2016; Robbins, 2020; Ruel, 1982, 12–13; 1979, [1977] 1998).1 (2007) argues approaching proposition well suited anthropology. perpetuates static models through false systematization illusory completeness. Indeed, he writes, it does even give traction Christianity, despite arguably product thinking. Several scholars underscored point, such Alice Street (2010, 274), affirms “propositional theories … task describing dynamic variant contours action,” Brian Howell (2007), identifies “commitment” thing shared his Filipino interlocutors non-Christian anthropologists could share. result, Danilyn Rutherford (2009) effective “no-fly zone” been established around Reflecting situation, recent research take opportunity retheorize when examining what, by plain-language account, would be called belief(s). notable example study conspiracy theories. Didier Fassin's (2021, 130, 131, 136) Eric Wolf Lecture, characterizes “a systematic search explanation adversity” “part interpretive web persecutorial themes,” ends up sounding very Geertz modified Asad concludes “wars fought over meaning.” Similarly, Theodoros Rakopoulos (2022, 46, 47) must account authors’ theory-builders, creating “active cosmology.” He both conspiracists engage “search ‘evidence’ formation communities towards pursuit.” Analyzing terms explanations, interpretations, cosmology, like-minded can surely prompt fresh consideration how matters ever some our interlocutors, whether “religious” not, thus theory. Although Fassin, Rakopoulos, other grappling (e.g., Mathur, 2015) critically engaged insightful, chance refresh analytically yet taken effectively.2 where people, approach. One prominent Tanya Luhrmann British neopagans American evangelical Christians. her witches magicians, (1989) various psychological techniques practitioners used identify evidence magic's existence efficacy. Christians southern California, she learns speak God, training oneself prayer cultivate God responds (Luhrmann 2012). groups, want discover truths about world operates: evaluate build systemic knowledge truths. members make commitments at once psychological, social, ethical, argue, aesthetic.3 Luhrmann, Lindquist, Coleman, dialogue them, preferable sidelining treating primarily propositional assent useless cases—and treat inherently knowledge—anthropologists might step back consider another angle. When emerge object focus, articulate senses belief-as-commitment? will focus dialogical relationship known Spiritualism, dead people. “demonstrations”—the connecting living recognize characters—Spiritualist seek create architectonic wholes. They join world, trusting to—and will—communicate living. My seem suspiciously old-fashioned—a reheating Geertzian fusion “models of” for” (Geertz [1966] 1973). drawing aesthetics, am attempting comprehensive detailed toward drive without achieving wholeness. From related slightly different theoretical angle, believe maintain “prospective momentum,” Hirokazu Miyazaki (2004) writes “hope.” medium's work—the cultivation belief—might fulfilling never fulfilled. Timothy Larsen (2014) shown, figures development anthropology social held deep concerns truth. Scholars Tylor Frazer saw opposed forms concluded undermine claims. But authors, including Evans-Pritchard, Mary Douglas, Victor Edith Turner, placed (and specifically Roman Catholic) heart good Evans-Pritchard wrote Nuer personages single God. Douglas embraced theology tightly, revising famous taboo deemphasize pigs’ qualities emphasize God's qualities. Turner read cited theology, followed own ethnographic path into mysticism.4 normative underlay influential anthropologists. fact beliefs were shaped traditions reinforces Geertz. Unacknowledged (or ignored) slip theory voilá, “religion” categories while obscuring what goes diverse Christianity overlooking many practices do claims.5 Following Asad, then, examine ways discipline, reliance foster subjects physically psychologically prone set (“Kneel you believe,” per Pascal). problem kneeling believing, however, there preexisting kneels believes because already in. may potential virtual, created moment kneeling. Yet say gives rise disciplined overstate case direction. If context foregrounds belief-as-proposition, throw out baby ethnography bathwater critique. Rather, frame wholes each other. Treating way means dynamics cases. “go wrong” ways, breaking image articulated larger community. weird,” threatening dissolve possibility wholeness seemingly unnecessary, complicating, transformative material produced processes believing. Mutations belief—and mutations practice—have aspect, reservoirs difference relied upon novel concepts standard ones fail.6 These explored (1981, 1984, 1986) dialogism. Belief, dynamic, multiple voices within utterance. Whenever speaks, previous utterances anticipates future responses; every speaker speaks others’ words” (Bakhtin, 1986, 143). Expanding beyond novel), all ultimately (Holquist, 1990a, esp. chapter 2). process involves response anticipation. dialectical resolved final synthesis continual transformation. wholeness, consummation, understood relative term: consummation almost literally eye beholder so far function particular point view. invoking “consummation,” should keep mind questions position: “consummated whom whom?” where?” when?” Consummated kinds. kept Bakhtin—the thinker sought loopholes (almost) metaphysical categories—their absolute. 150; emphasis removed) culture, language, etc.) fully “thing” obviously true. pressing too firmly obscure kin unity category. All subjects—themselves dialogic creations—work finished disparate ever-changing parts. Belief whole-making projects. aesthetic pursuit, putting things complete system, system ends. distinctive logic commitment. mediumship, turn, human personalities continue exist after physical death Mediums’ prove life helping others spiritual progress. emerged mid-nineteenth “burned-over district” Upstate New York, time place intense innovation.7 Many early Spiritualists remained Christians, arguing new revealed new, all: Doesn't Bible positively angels? Conservative criticized ridiculed late nineteenth twentieth centuries, increasingly defined distinct Christianity. congregation conducted research, Canberra Association, Christian. Historically, turned practicing mostly “physical mediumship” “mental mediumship.” seen heard communicating tangible ways: knocking walls questions, making tables tip dance, appearing photographs misty faces behind oblivious stone-faced portrait sitters, forth. mental signs come sources—visions, sounds, tastes, smells, bodily sensations, intuitions—and describe listeners. signs, expect listeners enough them assemble mosaic personality, someone knew deceased. expression recognition meant survive death. Once character recognized, medium passes along message love encouragement Both mediumship still practiced, prominent, partly caught fraud decades. described, ironically, anti-“belief.” Mediums survival,” famed twentieth-century medium, Maurice Barbanell ([1959] 1967, 159), science, scientific religion,” adding: “Survival [after death] scientifically proved.” perspective, indeed weak concept misleading think doing. tells illustrative story Anglican canon (priest) said “he prepared pay hundred pounds if after-life proved him.” replied, “Surely, canon, require evidence.” To priest said, “Yes, sure now. lost my wife know” (142; original). priest's distinction, endorsed Barbanell, true exactly tie unproductive knots, foolhardy write all. Yet, show below, confidence dependence significance Whether calls content swing magnetic needle “belief,” “knowledge,” “faith” matter analytically. What brought Especially eminent investigators tested mediums’ With tests tended involve binding tightly (theoretically) move hands feet mysterious effects characteristic séance rooms. asking sitters accurately events themselves. James Hyslop sat four times Leonora Piper, famously impressed William skills. During sittings, Piper mentioned 205 events, judged 152 true, 37 unverifiable, 16 (Blum, 2007, 245). On surface, seems impressive rate success. noted several problems kind test. thing, cause Mrs. Piper's success unknown. proven did know personally had investigated backgrounds, clear information sheer luck sitter's suggestibility. Was world? skilled telepath (mind reader)? Or just exceptionally fine observation skills? acknowledged most messages marked “extreme triviality” (quoted Blum, 182). Reputable scientists Alfred Russel Wallace, Crookes, Oliver Lodge, staked reputations reality claims, often dismayed close-mindedness. “You ask facts & proofs side,” Wallace testily 1886, “but offer suspicions yours” 120). using analyze realize entering maze possible misinterpretation. try find forward ethnographically. Association (CSA), 2017 2019. CSA services feature mediumship. period first, third, fifth Sunday month, summer break mid-December mid-January. open public community center Pearce, suburb Canberra's south. average attendance 17 18, women outnumbering men two one. At service, medium—usually woman, sometimes member CSA—gave speech topic gave “demonstration” made persons. demonstration high service. effective, intellectually provocative, emotionally engrossing, funny, humor. goal survival.” details life—for looked like, lived, died, basic traits, Sometimes audience wants I'm coming you”), broadcasts waits indicate is. typical service during fieldwork, five six readings. demonstrations, offers sensed. Audience verify reject accordingly, sure. typically change voice vocabulary “brings through” characters, retains casual conversational tone throughout. mild way, interrogation session presence proven. agree is, then delivers living.8 Perhaps openness failure. failure, appropriate analytical power depends recognizing fails. get wrong, considered acceptable, necessary, although invisible entirely straightforward. believed live level energetic existence, identified astral plane. living, sensations receive, assembled basis members. Excerpts demonstrations indispensable mechanics rhythm Sarah's Vee's affirmations. Sarah father accepted her. Because Vee before moment, presumably met father, gold-standard reading There pragmatic features interaction deserve attention, instruction louder, admonition feed (“You're supposed tell that, side comment getting goosebumps. purpose presenting transcript here, simply successful sounds readings go smoothly. She continued: Unlike receives positive responses. Jessica begins broadcast describes vivid one: stylish old musician Brylcreemed hair polished shoes, himself was. knows finishes pragmatically ushering man intended death, event succeed. Jessica's fit man. warrant event, itself tested. Wanda, helpful member, tries aged-care facility, doubt exists Note says sympathetically “sounds amazing person.” cases discussed above, are, same tested: abilities successfully plane Those inclined count successes versus failures listening judge 74.146341463 percent accurate. specificity numbers especially becomes evident watching listener another. (I given felt convincing—or problematic due stereotypes—but told “very, accurate.”) Your potentially bad vice versa. failure individual shamanism analyses Jane Atkinson Edward Schieffelin (1996; extreme Wolf, 1990), magic-workers (1989), seeking extraordinary experiences (2012) Bialecki (2017), performance actors struggle craft run risk rejection, mean audiences lose efficacy itself.10 sociologist Smith (2017, 45) asserts “it comprehend something subsequently undertake practice” (cf. 1989, 309–10). wider balanced, here significant reasons. one, artificially separating overlooks (Rutherford, 2009). another, situation negatively imagines fact, do. “comprehend religious” “undertake is: testing knows. smoothly, uncertainty focused sometimes, audience's responsiveness. having difficult day. energy help out. received real expressed clearly, perhaps paying attention. underlying m