Popular & Folk Religion

Popular & Folk Religions are characterized by their complexity and their important role in everyday life. "Ancestor veneration, fertility rites and sacrificial practices are vital,
along with a pantheon of personified deities and beliefs in demons, ghosts, spirits, exorcism and divination. Popular religions are “melting pots,” and usually adopt new thoughts and practices with ease."
It is important to note that these gods are part of an enormous celestial bureaucracy who must report to the local city gods once a month and the head of the pantheon once a year.
*Household Deities: These are gods of the house hold who are called on in times of misfortune and illness or appealed to for fertility, wealth and family harmony and well-being.
*Beyond the Household: These are local gods who are responsible for the fertility of the region they oversee.
*Deities: They began as human beings and were deified over time as a reward for their works.
*Hostile Influences: These are the demons (unlawful forces who want to bring disorder, suffering and death to the world).
*Leadership: "Hereditary leaders, such as the heads of families, are usually responsible for rituals performed in clan shrines and temples."
*Morality and Ethics: Health, long life, harmony, prosperity, continuation of the family and protection from harm are some of the goals important to adherents of popular religions.
In some of these popular religions those not worthy of Heaven must go through purgatory working off its "guilt".
==References==
*GURPS Religion pg 131-132
Category:Religion