will Elvis be the basis for a future religion?

[monk37]

I think that we are seeing a new religion emerging. Elvisism, Elvites, Presletarianism – something based around Elvis Presley.

The reason that I believe this is the many religious aspects of the Elvis story.

* born in humble circumstances and poverty.
* sole survivor of a twin birth that his father later claimed to recalling a strange light in the sky on the night of his birth
* escaped death again at age 5 from a tornado that ripped through Tupelo.
* He lived in Memphis along a mighty river and became known as The King, giving Pharoh assocations.
* He recorded his first music on Sun Records – and most religions have sun gods, gods of light
* He ushered in a great cultural change – broke racial barriers while heightening the generational gap and put overert sex at the cultural forefront
* His personal image was one of racial tolerance, generosity/charity
* The kisses, scarves and other items given out to the crowds during concerts is like having a blessing bestowed upon you
* He was surrounded by a core group of disciples (memphis mafia) who have split into camps and written conflicting books after Elvis’ death
* there are stories of him having visions, laying on hands healing,
* there’s been after death sightings of him in person, or just his image appearing as do Jesus, Virgin Mary, etc.
* Elvis’ image is reproduced in religious type paintings
* Impersonators or Tribute Artists are priests
* people make pilgrimages to Graceland – especially for the winter holiday (Jan 8) and the end of summer (Aug 16) holidays – which is already a weeklong festival
* people have special areas in their homes of their Elvis collections, serving as altar areas or even rooms in their homes which act as temples.

what other religious elements do you see in the Elvis story, that future generations will reinterpret?

[shelley.m.]

Let's not go there.Elvis was a humble human being with extraordinary talent that's all and not a God.He would probably say the samething too.

[kathy parkinson]

So true Shelley, Elvis is one thing, religion another, let's just enjoy his music.

[shelley.m.]

So true Shelley, Elvis is one thing, religion another, let's just enjoy his music.

So true,Kathy.

[Brian]

I don't know if any of you are aware of this or not but their are actually a couple of Elvis churches that have been started where they worship Elvis.

People are crazy

[Genie]

I don't know if any of you are aware of this or not but their are actually a couple of Elvis churches that have been started where they worship Elvis.

People are crazy

No I wasn't aware of this. I think that is completely crazy!
As much as I love the man, you wont find me in one of those "Churches"
That actually places a tainted imagine of Elvis, and it should be out lawed..but good 'ol freedom of religion and speech?

[epmoodyblue]

Let's not go there.Elvis was a humble human being with extraordinary talent that's all and not a God.He would probably say the samething too.

[sasha]

This is the only thing I could find about these churches.
http://www.experiencefestival.com/a/...ivine/id/85514

Never really looked into any of it, as IMO..Elvis would not have liked it either.

[epmoodyblue]

This is the only thing I could find about these churches.
http://www.experiencefestival.com/a/...ivine/id/85514

Never really looked into any of it, as IMO..Elvis would not have liked it either.

def Elvis would not have liked it
to the Presleyterian_Church_of_Elvis

[epmoodyblue]

lets shut these churches down

[Unchained Melody]

This is pointless. The thread that is.

[john carpenter]

My answer is No!!!!

[sasha]

It's just something some well intentioned people tried to do. { I think}
There used to be more as I recall. Years ago.
Perhaps they've grown up & out of the silliness.
To me; Elvis wouldn't have considered it an honor, but a dis-honor .
I've grown used to ignoring a lot in the Elvis World .

[LISY]

Let's not go there.Elvis was a humble human being with extraordinary talent that's all and not a God.He would probably say the samething too.

Amen to that

[T_J]

Apart from the fringe lunatics, there is no chance of a religion building up around Elvis. Future generations won't be in a position to misinterpret as Elvis lived in the 20th century and there will remain a digital record of who he really was.

[Getlo]

"Will Elvis be the basis for a future religion?"

Probably.

People will always be stupid enough to follow fairytales and false promises.

[Donut]

If life on earth was extinguished some day and another form of intelligent life found the remains of Elvis "shrines" that many of his fans have at home that's what they would think he was about for sure

[monk37]

thanks TJ, Getlo and Donut for getting into the spirit of the discussion.

given how easy myths are to get going and are facilitated by the internet - I think altering people's perceptions may be easier now than in previous centuries.

For the others, I fully realized that Elvis would be dismayed at the idea - in fact, when I asked Joe Esposito at a convention, he screamed at me - and when he got tired of screaming, he called Jerry Schilling over to take over - but he was too horrified; mostly because they didn't really listen to the question and just reacted.

anyway, this is imagining in the future and not about anyone's beliefs, so, if you don't want to discuss the topic, some of the response posts ....If you're not comfortable discussing religion in a broad strokes & impersonal manner, then, please bypass the discussion.

[Genie]

lets shut these churches down

GREAT PLAN>> WHAT CAN WE DO???? I'M IN>>>>>>>
Elvis would be mad as we've ever seen him over this

[KPM]

There is a great You Tube spoof about the Beatles being rediscovered in the future that my daughter showed me and it follows this idea.
It shows the assumptions which may be made-from the evidence uncovered across the world.... very funny. I'll try to find it to post.