Over the last few years, there have been a number of moves made throughout Canadian provinces to reduce the presence of religion in public places. One of the more notable actions was a 2019 decision in Quebec to enforce a law prohibiting public employees from donning any type of religious symbols while in an official workplace. Though there has been pushback on the law, it has brought forth a number of conversations in relation to modern religious beliefs throughout Canada. Though the country was largely composed of those identifying as Christian for many decades, this has shifted in recent times.
A handful of Pew studies conducted in recent years highlight the exact changes that have occurred when it comes to the average Canadian’s feelings about religion. Take a look at these data-driven points to get a better idea of what these changes are.
Fewer Canadians Are Identifying as Christians
A poll conducted in 1971 across Canada revealed that only about 4% of the population identified as unaffiliated with any one particular religion. During this same survey, the most popular religion was Christianity, with about 47% of the respondents identifying with this belief system. In 2018, however, the same survey was conducted, with dramatically different results. In the roughly 50-year span between the polls, the percentage of people identifying as Christian rose slightly to about 55%. However, the number of unaffiliated individuals also spiked from 4% to 16%.
There have also been a number of changes in the religions that Canadians belong to. Though this accounts for only about 8% of the population, it is a much larger number than in decades past. Since the survey in the 1970s, there have been increases in individuals who are affiliated with Judaism, Islam, Hinduism, and many other belief systems.
Daily Practices Are Not a Part of Canadian Life
Belief is only a small part of the picture when it comes to religion in Canada. Rituals like attending weekend worship or praying each day also factor into the equation. Though 55% of the population identified as Christian, very few actually committed to any kind of regular practice. In fact, only one out of every five Canadians surveyed said that they prayed on any kind of daily basis. What’s more, about 25% of those who identified as some form of Christian did not go to any kind of weekly worship or services.
What is interesting about this is that there is a slight disparity between belief and practice. A survey conducted in 2013 highlighted that almost 30% of Canadians believed that religion was very important to their daily lives. However, this doesn’t match with the percentage of individuals who commit to any kind of daily practice. This is an intriguing example of how people can believe one thing and yet act in an entirely different way.
Religion and Morality Are Not Linked
Throughout history, there has often been a prominent argument stating that good morals are born of a religious mindset. While there has been little to prove this point, the belief is actually not that popular with modern Canadians. In fact, a series of studies conducted between 2003 and 2011 showed that a consistent 67% of the population believed that a person could have good morals and be an upstanding citizen without having any kind of religious belief whatsoever. Still, a very small percentage of Canadians have a strict rule that a person must believe in God to be truly good.
Religious beliefs are constantly changing. While it can be difficult to track, data does an invaluable job of pointing out exactly how these major shifts have come about. Though banning religious symbols in Quebec was a controversial move, looking at the research can highlight exactly why these decisions have been made and what public opinions are shaping the course of history.
Like most organisms on our planet, humans need food and water to survive. We’d die without them within a matter of days, but people calling themselves “Breatharians” insist that they live only on oxygen and an invisible life force. New self-styled gurus continue to surface and promote this ideology. To understand how and why Breatharians invest in such a risky belief system, it’s worth taking a look at their controversial ideas.
A Brief History of Breatharianism
Sometimes referred to as Inedia, Breatharianism’s basic premise is to survive only on air and the universe’s energy. Proponents believe that it is possible, if not ideal, to transition from consuming food and liquids to an existence free of these substances. The life force that’s supposed to sustain them takes on a variety of names, depending on who’s selling the concept. Most call it “prana,” the Sanskrit word for breath, but some use the Chinese term “chi.”
Just as the concept of religious fasting has older roots, anecdotes about spiritual masters subsisting on breath alone aren’t new. The 17th century Rosicrucian text “Comte de Gabalis” mentions Paracelsus, a Swiss occultist who asserts that he survived on “solar quintessence.” Prahlad Jani, an Indian mystic, confounded researchers in 2010 with statements that he didn’t need to eat or drink. GQ’s Breena Kerr lists more recent proponents, including Wiley Brooks, who appeared on the television show “That’s Incredible!” with similar claims. Later, an Australian woman calling herself Jasmuheen published the book “Living on Light” in which she promoted the same lifestyle. Tragically, five of her followers have died while attempting Breatharian practices.
A Resurgence of Popularity
Breatharianism would have remained in relative obscurity were it not for a series of sensationalist news articles in June 2017. As CNN’s Oliver Darcy reported, Californians Akahi Ricardo and Camila Castillo insisted they’d adhered to a mostly food-free regimen since 2008. The story was originally published by News Dog Media, a tabloid content agency based in the United Kingdom. It was eventually picked up by other outlets including Yahoo, The Daily Mail, and The Independent.
After the story gained notoriety, journalists and writers stepped up to debunk Breatharianism. Both Breena Keer and Patheos blogger David G. McAfee shared deep concerns about the health and safety of people attempting to go without food and water. Others pointed to a 1999 Australian television program in which Jasmuheen was housed in a hotel room and monitored 24 hours a day to confirm she didn’t consume food or water. This trial ended after four days because Jasmuheen exhibited slurred speech, dilated pupils, and 15 pounds of weight loss.
Yet despite the dangers, a small group of believers still try to undertake a Breatharian lifestyle. There are a few online communities such as Breatharianism Canada. Meanwhile, Ricardo and Castillo offer a “Breatharian challenge” course, which lasts eight days and is available for a regular price of $397. Wiley Brooks still operates the Breatharian Institute of America, and Jasmuheen continues to sell books and publish short instructional films on YouTube.
Some Skepticism Is Healthy
What accounts for such persistent faith in these deadly ideologies? Writing for Psychology Today Canada, Dr. Joe Pierre suggests an answer to this question. Improbable beliefs frequently possess a small grain of truth, such as limited fasting taken to extremes with Breatharianism. False claims can be dressed up with clever prose and spread widely online. Finally, confirmation bias can inhibit individuals from fact-checking content that supports their worldviews before accepting it as truth.
Forming beliefs and convictions is a natural human tendency. Balancing faith and reason is essential to this process. While ideas can lead to action, it’s important to make sure that we don’t cause harm to others or ourselves.
Choosing the right wedding officiant can take your wedding from being great to being spectacular.
Once you’ve chosen a date, chosen your wedding colors and booked a venue, you have thousands of other details to manage in regards to your ceremony. A wedding coordinator might be able to handle the catering and decorations, but you and your future spouse are the only ones who can choose the wedding officiant. Whether you’re looking for a professional and skilled officiant or want a friend to do the service, you should still ask questions. Here are some of questions you can ask a potential officiant:
Are you available on our wedding date? Consider this carefully if travel is involved. Better to check the calendar first. Don’t forget to check the availability for your rehearsal dinner.
Can you personalize the ceremony? Many religious leaders use the ritual from the church, but some wedding officiants will allow you to customize your ceremony. At the ULC, we offer a template for our ministers, but it can be personalized to your own style.
How many pre-wedding sessions do you require? Although a friend or family member may not require pre-wedding counseling, some officiants might. It can help you get to know each other better, but the wedding officiant might charge for the sessions too. Find out what to expect before you sign a contract.
Do you charge a standard fee or do we make a donation to the church? When talking to a professional officiant, you want to make sure you know how much will be charged. Every minister is different. If you’re talking to a family member or friend, it might be awkward to bring up a fee, but remember that this person will be going above and beyond for your wedding, similar to your attendants.
How will you respect our wishes, if our beliefs don’t fall in line with yours? In today’s culture, it might be difficult to find a wedding officiant who believes exactly what the two of you do. Consider how the officiant acts when presented with personal requests and whether he or she respects your beliefs.
Do you want to come to the reception? Will you be bringing a guest? When you are having a catered dinner, one or two extras can throw the numbers off. You might be close to the fire code limit or not have enough seating for two extra. Make sure to find out all expectations before the wedding.
Do you have any restrictions on whether we can be married? Some officiants might not marry couples outside of their own faith. You may not be allowed to have another officiant take part in the ceremony.
Do you plan on giving a sermon during a wedding? We’re not sure why people think that a wedding is an appropriate place to proselytize, but some do.
What do you plan to wear? Can you adjust to our wedding style? If you’re having a themed wedding, better find out if the officiant will participate or not.
What happens if you get sick? No one wants to think about getting sick, but the reality is always there. Find out what the backup plan is before the wedding.
Other Considerations When Choosing a Wedding Officiant
Does the officiant make you feel comfortable? You want someone who is genuinely interested in your wedding and services. This person will be welcoming your guests and playing best supporting actor to you and your partner. Does the officiant have the presence to handle a noisy guest? What happens if someone stands up and says that you shouldn’t get married?
Before you start talking to wedding officiants, think about what you expect. Do you want someone spiritual or secular? Do you have special readings or music you want included? Will your officiant adapt to your wedding or do you have to adapt to his or her plan? By taking time to consider your options, you will find the right person to lead your ceremony.
Over the last few years, there have been a number of moves made throughout Canadian provinces to reduce the presence of religion in public places. One of the more notable actions was a 2019 decision in Quebec to enforce a law prohibiting public employees from donning any type of religious symbols while in an official workplace. Though there has been pushback on the law, it has brought forth a number of conversations in relation to modern religious beliefs throughout Canada. Though the country was largely composed of those identifying as Christian for many decades, this has shifted in recent times.
A handful of Pew studies conducted in recent years highlight the exact changes that have occurred when it comes to the average Canadian’s feelings about religion. Take a look at these data-driven points to get a better idea of what these changes are.
Fewer Canadians Are Identifying as Christians
A poll conducted in 1971 across Canada revealed that only about 4% of the population identified as unaffiliated with any one particular religion. During this same survey, the most popular religion was Christianity, with about 47% of the respondents identifying with this belief system. In 2018, however, the same survey was conducted, with dramatically different results. In the roughly 50-year span between the polls, the percentage of people identifying as Christian rose slightly to about 55%. However, the number of unaffiliated individuals also spiked from 4% to 16%.
There have also been a number of changes in the religions that Canadians belong to. Though this accounts for only about 8% of the population, it is a much larger number than in decades past. Since the survey in the 1970s, there have been increases in individuals who are affiliated with Judaism, Islam, Hinduism, and many other belief systems.
Daily Practices Are Not a Part of Canadian Life
Belief is only a small part of the picture when it comes to religion in Canada. Rituals like attending weekend worship or praying each day also factor into the equation. Though 55% of the population identified as Christian, very few actually committed to any kind of regular practice. In fact, only one out of every five Canadians surveyed said that they prayed on any kind of daily basis. What’s more, about 25% of those who identified as some form of Christian did not go to any kind of weekly worship or services.
What is interesting about this is that there is a slight disparity between belief and practice. A survey conducted in 2013 highlighted that almost 30% of Canadians believed that religion was very important to their daily lives. However, this doesn’t match with the percentage of individuals who commit to any kind of daily practice. This is an intriguing example of how people can believe one thing and yet act in an entirely different way.
Religion and Morality Are Not Linked
Throughout history, there has often been a prominent argument stating that good morals are born of a religious mindset. While there has been little to prove this point, the belief is actually not that popular with modern Canadians. In fact, a series of studies conducted between 2003 and 2011 showed that a consistent 67% of the population believed that a person could have good morals and be an upstanding citizen without having any kind of religious belief whatsoever. Still, a very small percentage of Canadians have a strict rule that a person must believe in God to be truly good.
Religious beliefs are constantly changing. While it can be difficult to track, data does an invaluable job of pointing out exactly how these major shifts have come about. Though banning religious symbols in Quebec was a controversial move, looking at the research can highlight exactly why these decisions have been made and what public opinions are shaping the course of history.
Like most organisms on our planet, humans need food and water to survive. We’d die without them within a matter of days, but people calling themselves “Breatharians” insist that they live only on oxygen and an invisible life force. New self-styled gurus continue to surface and promote this ideology. To understand how and why Breatharians invest in such a risky belief system, it’s worth taking a look at their controversial ideas.
A Brief History of Breatharianism
Sometimes referred to as Inedia, Breatharianism’s basic premise is to survive only on air and the universe’s energy. Proponents believe that it is possible, if not ideal, to transition from consuming food and liquids to an existence free of these substances. The life force that’s supposed to sustain them takes on a variety of names, depending on who’s selling the concept. Most call it “prana,” the Sanskrit word for breath, but some use the Chinese term “chi.”
Just as the concept of religious fasting has older roots, anecdotes about spiritual masters subsisting on breath alone aren’t new. The 17th century Rosicrucian text “Comte de Gabalis” mentions Paracelsus, a Swiss occultist who asserts that he survived on “solar quintessence.” Prahlad Jani, an Indian mystic, confounded researchers in 2010 with statements that he didn’t need to eat or drink. GQ’s Breena Kerr lists more recent proponents, including Wiley Brooks, who appeared on the television show “That’s Incredible!” with similar claims. Later, an Australian woman calling herself Jasmuheen published the book “Living on Light” in which she promoted the same lifestyle. Tragically, five of her followers have died while attempting Breatharian practices.
A Resurgence of Popularity
Breatharianism would have remained in relative obscurity were it not for a series of sensationalist news articles in June 2017. As CNN’s Oliver Darcy reported, Californians Akahi Ricardo and Camila Castillo insisted they’d adhered to a mostly food-free regimen since 2008. The story was originally published by News Dog Media, a tabloid content agency based in the United Kingdom. It was eventually picked up by other outlets including Yahoo, The Daily Mail, and The Independent.
After the story gained notoriety, journalists and writers stepped up to debunk Breatharianism. Both Breena Keer and Patheos blogger David G. McAfee shared deep concerns about the health and safety of people attempting to go without food and water. Others pointed to a 1999 Australian television program in which Jasmuheen was housed in a hotel room and monitored 24 hours a day to confirm she didn’t consume food or water. This trial ended after four days because Jasmuheen exhibited slurred speech, dilated pupils, and 15 pounds of weight loss.
Yet despite the dangers, a small group of believers still try to undertake a Breatharian lifestyle. There are a few online communities such as Breatharianism Canada. Meanwhile, Ricardo and Castillo offer a “Breatharian challenge” course, which lasts eight days and is available for a regular price of $397. Wiley Brooks still operates the Breatharian Institute of America, and Jasmuheen continues to sell books and publish short instructional films on YouTube.
Some Skepticism Is Healthy
What accounts for such persistent faith in these deadly ideologies? Writing for Psychology Today Canada, Dr. Joe Pierre suggests an answer to this question. Improbable beliefs frequently possess a small grain of truth, such as limited fasting taken to extremes with Breatharianism. False claims can be dressed up with clever prose and spread widely online. Finally, confirmation bias can inhibit individuals from fact-checking content that supports their worldviews before accepting it as truth.
Forming beliefs and convictions is a natural human tendency. Balancing faith and reason is essential to this process. While ideas can lead to action, it’s important to make sure that we don’t cause harm to others or ourselves.
Choosing the right wedding officiant can take your wedding from being great to being spectacular.
Once you’ve chosen a date, chosen your wedding colors and booked a venue, you have thousands of other details to manage in regards to your ceremony. A wedding coordinator might be able to handle the catering and decorations, but you and your future spouse are the only ones who can choose the wedding officiant. Whether you’re looking for a professional and skilled officiant or want a friend to do the service, you should still ask questions. Here are some of questions you can ask a potential officiant:
Are you available on our wedding date? Consider this carefully if travel is involved. Better to check the calendar first. Don’t forget to check the availability for your rehearsal dinner.
Can you personalize the ceremony? Many religious leaders use the ritual from the church, but some wedding officiants will allow you to customize your ceremony. At the ULC, we offer a template for our ministers, but it can be personalized to your own style.
How many pre-wedding sessions do you require? Although a friend or family member may not require pre-wedding counseling, some officiants might. It can help you get to know each other better, but the wedding officiant might charge for the sessions too. Find out what to expect before you sign a contract.
Do you charge a standard fee or do we make a donation to the church? When talking to a professional officiant, you want to make sure you know how much will be charged. Every minister is different. If you’re talking to a family member or friend, it might be awkward to bring up a fee, but remember that this person will be going above and beyond for your wedding, similar to your attendants.
How will you respect our wishes, if our beliefs don’t fall in line with yours? In today’s culture, it might be difficult to find a wedding officiant who believes exactly what the two of you do. Consider how the officiant acts when presented with personal requests and whether he or she respects your beliefs.
Do you want to come to the reception? Will you be bringing a guest? When you are having a catered dinner, one or two extras can throw the numbers off. You might be close to the fire code limit or not have enough seating for two extra. Make sure to find out all expectations before the wedding.
Do you have any restrictions on whether we can be married? Some officiants might not marry couples outside of their own faith. You may not be allowed to have another officiant take part in the ceremony.
Do you plan on giving a sermon during a wedding? We’re not sure why people think that a wedding is an appropriate place to proselytize, but some do.
What do you plan to wear? Can you adjust to our wedding style? If you’re having a themed wedding, better find out if the officiant will participate or not.
What happens if you get sick? No one wants to think about getting sick, but the reality is always there. Find out what the backup plan is before the wedding.
Other Considerations When Choosing a Wedding Officiant
Does the officiant make you feel comfortable? You want someone who is genuinely interested in your wedding and services. This person will be welcoming your guests and playing best supporting actor to you and your partner. Does the officiant have the presence to handle a noisy guest? What happens if someone stands up and says that you shouldn’t get married?
Before you start talking to wedding officiants, think about what you expect. Do you want someone spiritual or secular? Do you have special readings or music you want included? Will your officiant adapt to your wedding or do you have to adapt to his or her plan? By taking time to consider your options, you will find the right person to lead your ceremony.
