I figured since I haven't posted for a while, and I'm not sure how frequently I'll be posting, I should give everyone a little preview of what's coming in the following discussion. This is also in response to some feedback of friends who have read these first two introductory chapters.
The first three main sections to anticipate will begin the work of isolating and defining the Hallelujah Complex, describing its existence in three separate arenas. I intend to discuss three distinct forms of HC, often existing independently of each other. The first section will consider the Cultural Hallelujah Complex: the tendency of a religion not only to adopt cultural forms that are simply bizarre and contrasting to the mainstream culture, but to define their very faith in God by these cultural forms. This is the tendency of clinging to peculiar language/speech, musical style, dress, and/or legalistic prohibitions or obligations, all of which combine to form a very bizarre subculture. HC1 is also defined as a firm refusal to relinquish this subculture. A brief discussion will be included to explain why I would not classify traditions such as monastic orders or Jewish Hasidism as expressions of the Hallelujah Complex.
The second section will examine the Social Hallelujah Complex. This is manifested when, in spite of no clear cultural differences between the religious and the mainstream culture such as language or dress, there exists an unspoken social awkwardness between members of the religious group and outsiders. HC2 is something that goes far beyond a mere inability to see eye-to-eye on a certain issue or to share a certain belief.
The third manifestation of the Hallelujah Complex is the Intellectual Hallelujah Complex, the occasion when a religious person's ordinarily functioning mental capabilities seem to suddenly "short-circuit" whenever discussing a particular belief in which they have a great emotional investment. This is not to be confused with general faith in something not seen, nor with the loss of logical capabilities brought on by PMS.
Now that's all the stalling that I'm going to do.
