The Role of Knowledge in the Evolution of the Religious Phenomenon

18 Pages Posted: 15 Jun 2017 Last revised: 25 Jun 2017

Date Written: April 29, 2016

Abstract

In the development of the religious phenomenon, knowledge bears an essential role. The present study analyses the factors that have contributed to the emergence and the spreading of Neo–Protestant denominations (Baptist, Adventists, Brethren and Pentecostals) within the borders of Romania in the second half of the 19th and the beginning of the 20th century. Four different perspectives are presented: the orthodox, communist, neo–Protestant and sociological points of view. With this paper we will observe the way knowledge played an important role in the appearance and development of neo–Protestant confessions in Romania. That mainstream churches in Romanian (Orthodox, Catholic), preoccupied more with the ritualistic aspects of their liturgical services, didn’t fulfill the needs of believers in search for a deeper spiritual experience. For this to occur, believers belonging to these ecclesiastical traditions have turned towards what has been labeled neo–Protestantism in Romania.

Keywords: knowledge, neo–Protestant, Baptist, Adventists, Brethren, Pentecostals, orthodox

Suggested Citation

Mercea, Lucian, The Role of Knowledge in the Evolution of the Religious Phenomenon (April 29, 2016). Proceedings of Harvard Square Symposium: The Future of Knowledge, Volume 1, p. 128–145, April 2016, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=2986498 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.2986498

Lucian Mercea (Contact Author)

West University of Timisoara ( email )

Bd. Vasile Parvan nr. 4
Timisoara, Timis 300223
Romania

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