fdtappan's Blog

Most of us are familiar with several modern religious cults such as the Branch Dividians, Heavens Gate, The Unification Church, and many others. I have an epiphanous premonition that the present and past devotion and cultish attraction to all things Elvis is becoming a burgeoning religion. At one time there was a cable program that delved into the actual worship of Elvis. Many of his songs were used as hymns and an Elvis impersonator would preach, for lack of a better word, a sermon.

It is becoming increasingly clear that the Elvis phenomenon can only be categorized as the birth of a religious movement. Elvis’s home, Graceland, is one of the most visited and cherished spots in the country. Some visit out of curiosity, but many go as holy pilgrims, to honor and worship the divine spirit of Elvis. Bits of clothes, even single strands of hair, verified by Priscilla, are sold as sacred relics. There have been countless sightings of Elvis after death and many tales abound of miracles attributed to him.

We are probably most familiar with groups professing "religious" or "spiritual" values such as becoming like God, becoming God, realizing our Godhood or goals. These cults can range from mutations of traditional religions, in any culture, to occult fellowships, to "new" blends of spiritual practices and beliefs. Other cults may purport to make you a better and happier person (psychological/philosophical aka Church of Scientology), save the world according to a particular political doctrine, or increase your income and earthly "abundance".

Admittedly, the Elvis endoctrination does not fulfill the classic characterization of a cult, however it is close. The line is being blurred. The obsession is morphing into a religion. Be careful people. Elvis was only a man. Not God or a deity, just a man.