Steampunk, Victoriana, and Spiritualism

[Secret_Square]

My husband and I recently started creating and selling reprints of late 19th and early 20th century works that are in the public domain. We enjoy these books, especially those that have been forgotten or overlooked in later decades and have gone out of print, and want to make them available to a wider audience. One way in which we do this is by signing up as vendors for gaming conventions and steampunk-themed events. Because steampunk is largely based on Victorian era science fiction (think Jules Verne or H.G. Wells) we usually find a receptive audience for our work at these events.

Last weekend we were at a small but really fun steampunk event, where we sold quite a few of our books (more than I had expected us to sell). One of our customers invited us to a steampunk con that will take place next spring, and he’d like me to participate in one of their presentations or panel discussions.

Each year this event has an annual theme, and next year’s theme emphasizes the Victorian interest in spiritualism and magic. The person who invited us to this event said that he and many of the other steampunk people he knew were pagans, i.e. nature worshipers, and they wanted to know more about that side of the Victorian era, but he also said they weren’t planning anything “freaky” or potentially offensive to attendees like conducting an actual pagan ritual.

My husband is encouraging me to go because of the potential contacts we could make. He says that I could simply do an objective, historical presentation about the fact that there was increased interest in spiritualism and the occult during the Victorian era, in large part encouraged by people like Queen Victoria and Mary Todd Lincoln who took part in seances attempting to contact their departed loved ones. I could simply talk about the reasons why Victorians were so interested in these topics (for example, the carnage and death resulting from the American Civil War), and mention the reasons why others objected to them (because it was against their religious faith, or because it was unscientific) without encouraging people to actually get involved in it.

I guess my question is whether or not I should accept this invitation. I don’t want to be seen in any way as endorsing or encouraging people to get involved in the occult by participating in this event, nor do I want it to become an occasion of sin or (worse yet) demonic influence. On the other hand, it’s also possible that by explaining the historical and social reasons why (some) Victorians got caught up in that stuff, and mentioning the objections raised by others at the time – some for religious reasons, others because they felt it was unscientific mumbo-jumbo – perhaps it would give people a sense of proportion and perspective about it, and steer them away from it?

I’ve never been one of these people who thinks reading Harry Potter or playing Dungeons and Dragons is sinful (any more than playing Monopoly makes you greedy or reading a murder mystery makes you a murderer) but I do take anything occult VERY seriously and do not want to “mess” with it in any way that could harm me or my family spiritually. Anyway, I’d appreciate some thoughts on this.

 

[Hoosier_Daddy]

As long as you keep it historically accurate I can’t imagine there being any problem at all. An opportunity to educate historically on a specific subject is a great opportunity. I think t goes without saying that you should not actively promote other religions but I doutbt you would do that. I picture it no different than any other historical presentation except you audience will have some weird goggles on…

 

[Irishmom2]

My husband is encouraging me to go because of the potential contacts we could make. He says that I could simply do an objective, historical presentation about the fact that there was increased interest in spiritualism and the occult during the Victorian era, in large part encouraged by people like Queen Victoria and Mary Todd Lincoln who took part in seances attempting to contact their departed loved ones. I could simply talk about the reasons why Victorians were so interested in these topics (for example, the carnage and death resulting from the American Civil War), and mention the reasons why others objected to them (because it was against their religious faith, or because it was unscientific) without encouraging people to actually get involved in it.

I guess my question is whether or not I should accept this invitation. I don’t want to be seen in any way as endorsing or encouraging people to get involved in the occult by participating in this event, nor do I want it to become an occasion of sin or (worse yet) demonic influence. On the other hand, it’s also possible that by explaining the historical and social reasons why (some) Victorians got caught up in that stuff, and mentioning the objections raised by others at the time – some for religious reasons, others because they felt it was unscientific mumbo-jumbo – perhaps it would give people a sense of proportion and perspective about it, and steer them away from it?

I’ve never been one of these people who thinks reading Harry Potter or playing Dungeons and Dragons is sinful (any more than playing Monopoly makes you greedy or reading a murder mystery makes you a murderer) but I do take anything occult VERY seriously and do not want to “mess” with it in any way that could harm me or my family spiritually. Anyway, I’d appreciate some thoughts on this.

I agree with your husband. You can present it as you explained above. I know that for some young people, that steampunk is an interesting fashion statement, but you could present a interesting side to the steampunk “culture.” I have to admit, some of the the clothing and decor appeals to my vintage nature.

 

[Hoosier_Daddy]

I wanted to add that anytime you sit on a panel you need crystal clear communication from the people putting it on about why you are there and what sort of topics will be discussed and what question they think the audience will have. Crystal. Clear.

Once I sat on a panel as a scientist and was completely attacked and ambushed. At one point I feared for my safety. I’m not kidding.
I doubt some steam punks will ambush you because your topic is not controversial really but it is important you know as much info beforehand. It just looks more professional and actually adds to the credibility.

 

[GEddie]

My husband is encouraging me to go because of the potential contacts we could make. He says that I could simply do an objective, historical presentation about the fact that there was increased interest in spiritualism and the occult during the Victorian era, in large part encouraged by people like Queen Victoria and Mary Todd Lincoln who took part in seances attempting to contact their departed loved ones. I could simply talk about the reasons why Victorians were so interested in these topics (for example, the carnage and death resulting from the American Civil War), and mention the reasons why others objected to them (because it was against their religious faith, or because it was unscientific) without encouraging people to actually get involved in it.

I guess my question is whether or not I should accept this invitation.

I concur with him.

Another angle might be the quackery and fraud that took place in the spiritualist movement toward the end, precisely because there was so much of this activity.

ICXC NIKA

 

[edwest2]

I wanted to add that anytime you sit on a panel you need crystal clear communication from the people putting it on about why you are there and what sort of topics will be discussed and what question they think the audience will have. Crystal. Clear.

Once I sat on a panel as a scientist and was completely attacked and ambushed. At one point I feared for my safety. I’m not kidding.
I doubt some steam punks will ambush you because your topic is not controversial really but it is important you know as much info beforehand. It just looks more professional and actually adds to the credibility.

I agree with the above. Like any sub-culture, Steampunk can be just playing dress-up to really studying the era it borrows from. The rise of Spiritualism, which included seances and even bodily levitation, is a broad subject. If presented accurately, in its proper historical context, then you should be fine.

However, be prepared for questions like, “Where can I found out more about this?” “Where can I get books about this?” “Do you have any?”

Trying to, or claiming to be able to contact the dead is forbidden, along with holding seances. Spiritualism survived and went on to be called the Occult. It is now found under a new label - New Age. Finding out about historical events is fine but some will want to try to perform some of it, mostly unaware that it is dangerous. Sure, Dungeons and Dragons, or something cool and different, and let’s pretend are a part of all sub-cultures, but some turn it into a lifestyle. You are right to be concerned about this because it can lead to demonic activity and even possession when calling on the spirits and using certain tools and devices, like a ouija board which is used in divining - also forbidden.

Ed

 

[mikekle]

I have a friend from high school that I still keep in contact with , she recently got into steam punk, I had no idea what it was and still dont really, she is in her early 40s now and occasionally she will travel to steampunk meetings and conventions, she dresses victorian era but with some modern things added in.

When we were younger, she ran with the ‘alternative or punk rock crowd’, kids who wore tight black clothes, spiked dog collars, blue mohawks, etc, clubbing was big back then, dressing up as well.

When it comes to religion, she believes an intelligent ET race created us and they are our ‘gods’ and she is very vocal about this…We disagree on this, but still good friends for over 20 yrs.

 

[edwest2]

I have a friend from high school that I still keep in contact with , she recently got into steam punk, I had no idea what it was and still dont really, she is in her early 40s now and occasionally she will travel to steampunk meetings and conventions, she dresses victorian era but with some modern things added in.

When we were younger, she ran with the ‘alternative or punk rock crowd’, kids who wore tight black clothes, spiked dog collars, blue mohawks, etc, clubbing was big back then, dressing up as well.

When it comes to religion, she believes an intelligent ET race created us and they are our ‘gods’ and she is very vocal about this…We disagree on this, but still good friends for over 20 yrs.

I was part of the Detroit Punk Scene. The mohawks, spiked collars, bangles and unique clothes. By the way, I didn’t do any of that but I became a friend of one of their tribal leaders and became an honorary member, even though I dressed funny. It was a world outside of the world. Who remembers punk papers called Spooie and White Noise?

I wanted to hear the bands. Photograph them. Talk to them. I went to a certain club that was the place to be, but it’s gone now.

Ed

 

[mikekle]

I was part of the Detroit Punk Scene. The mohawks, spiked collars, bangles and unique clothes. By the way, I didn’t do any of that but I became a friend of one of their tribal leaders and became an honorary member, even though I dressed funny. It was a world outside of the world. Who remembers punk papers called Spooie and White Noise?

I wanted to hear the bands. Photograph them. Talk to them. I went to a certain club that was the place to be, but it’s gone now.

Ed

I had a few friends who were ‘punk rock’ back in the days, they knew how to party, that was for sure! One of my better friends from that time period was really into the Misfits, and dressed the part every single day, long black ‘devil-lock’ black leather, sort of 1950s ‘greaser bad boy’, along with undead zombie! lol

I remember many times out in public with him, he scared the wits out of people!

The only punk rock concert I ever went to was to see ‘The Exploited’ back around 1992/93 in Cincinnati, OH, that was pretty wild for me!

 

[tomarin]

I was part of the Detroit Punk Scene. The mohawks, spiked collars, bangles and unique clothes. By the way, I didn’t do any of that but I became a friend of one of their tribal leaders and became an honorary member, even though I dressed funny. It was a world outside of the world. Who remembers punk papers called Spooie and White Noise?

I wanted to hear the bands. Photograph them. Talk to them. I went to a certain club that was the place to be, but it’s gone now.

Ed

Never into punk myself, but this is. Too. Cool.

 

[edwest2]

Never into punk myself, but this is. Too. Cool.

It was but I never went to the parties. Too much temptation, and illegal activity like drugs.

Ed

 

[3DOCTORS]

@ the OP:

I like Steampunk too, and it can benefit from a Catholic and Christian presence. I think that you could be on the panel the way you describe. Do your homework about it all - I would like to read your presentation if you’d like to share it later. I plan to include some Steampunk related content in my blog (see below) and maybe I could link to your event. Don’t know if I’d net you a lot of followers since my blog’s so new, but who knows.

Regarding the spiritualism thing, I think one good way to steer away from any danger of seeming to endorse paganism would be to emphasize the science - you have psychology already. Look up some things like how natural phenomena could have been mistaken for spirits, human sensory perceptions, confirmation bias, power of suggestion, etc. I recently read a book by a friend of mine that included an account of her childhood experimentation with a Ouija board and I wondered if anyone had studied how they work. I found articles like this: nerdist.com/ouija-boards-are-even-creepier-when-you-know-how-they-work/ Not recommending anyone try one, mind! But the science helps take the subject to a place of objectivity if you see what I mean.

I’m curious what con you’re going to if you care to share that. Anyway, good luck, be safe, and have fun!

 

[edwest2]

One more thing. Trickery was involved as well to help the participants believe something real was going on. I cannot, for obvious reasons, give you very specific examples, but someone seated around the table was a helper who could do things - unseen by the unknowing guests. Seances took place in dark rooms to hide the trickery. Even today, “psychic readers” ply their trade. Of course, this is forbidden.

Ed

 

[Roger_Buck]

I wonder if there are hidden evangelisation opportunities in this Steampunk phenomenon. I wonder too about the Goth scene …

Whilst I don’t know much about either, it seems to me that there is a romantic yearning there for a world of the past, where buildings and fashions were not manufactured en masse in monotonous patterns - but possessed elegance, beauty, soul.

Catholicism has the same, especially noticeable in the Latin Mass or other reverent forms of liturgy.

I cannot help but wonder if this would speak to those who may feel a yearning for soulfulness in a soulless world.

Also it cannot be denied that the Victorian Age was a deeply religious one, compared to today.

There are connections to be made here by a skilful evangelist.

 

[edwest2]

I wonder if there are hidden evangelisation opportunities in this Steampunk phenomenon. I wonder too about the Goth scene …

Whilst I don’t know much about either, it seems to me that there is a romantic yearning there for a world of the past, where buildings and fashions were not manufactured en masse in monotonous patterns - but possessed elegance, beauty, soul.

Catholicism has the same, especially noticeable in the Latin Mass or other reverent forms of liturgy.

I cannot help but wonder if this would speak to those who may feel a yearning for soulfulness in a soulless world.

Also it cannot be denied that the Victorian Age was a deeply religious one, compared to today.

There are connections to be made here by a skilful evangelist.

Well, someone would have to be skillful and careful. I have met Steampunk people. They wear antique style clothes that evoke the atmosphere of the period. I mean, it’s one thing to see a photo from the 1920s and the way people dressed, and it definitely is emotional to see someone standing there in period clothes. It creates different feelings for those who know less about the period. Men look gentlemenly. Some even look like they’ve traveled through time and carry an air of sophistication and calm and/or pleasantness that is obviously missing in the generally badly dressed present.

The women range from elegant to bawdy.

So, before you go to a Steampunk convention, read about them. But having done street evangelism myself, there’s nothing like meeting them in person and having a conversation. WARNING: I would not recommend this to anyone who has not experienced face to face evangelization and who is young in Christ spiritually.

Ed

 

[Sarcelle]

Well, someone would have to be skillful and careful. I have met Steampunk people. They wear antique style clothes that evoke the atmosphere of the period. I mean, it’s one thing to see a photo from the 1920s and the way people dressed, and it definitely is emotional to see someone standing there in period clothes. It creates different feelings for those who know less about the period. Men look gentlemenly. Some even look like they’ve traveled through time and carry an air of sophistication and calm and/or pleasantness that is obviously missing in the generally badly dressed present.

The women range from elegant to bawdy.

So, before you go to a Steampunk convention, read about them. But having done street evangelism myself, there’s nothing like meeting them in person and having a conversation. WARNING: I would not recommend this to anyone who has not experienced face to face evangelization and who is young in Christ spiritually.

Ed

Good advice Ed.

I like Victorian fashion and I think it suits me more than today’s modern fashions.

 

[edwest2]

Good advice Ed.

I like Victorian fashion and I think it suits me more than today’s modern fashions.

I admire it but I also admire the demeanor and sensibilities of the people who more closely resemble those from the time period. This is about history, and being Victorian is not considered a good thing by social radicals. During my time, dressing well didn’t have to mean expensive, and the masculine and feminine qualities were still there, including, for a time, the demeanor and sensibilities.

Ed

 

[Sarcelle]

I admire it but I also admire the demeanor and sensibilities of the people who more closely resemble those from the time period. This is about history, and being Victorian is not considered a good thing by social radicals. During my time, dressing well didn’t have to mean expensive, and the masculine and feminine qualities were still there, including, for a time, the demeanor and sensibilities.

Ed

True.

 

[Roger_Buck]

Well, someone would have to be skillful and careful. I have met Steampunk people. They wear antique style clothes that evoke the atmosphere of the period. I mean, it’s one thing to see a photo from the 1920s and the way people dressed, and it definitely is emotional to see someone standing there in period clothes. It creates different feelings for those who know less about the period. Men look gentlemenly. Some even look like they’ve traveled through time and carry an air of sophistication and calm and/or pleasantness that is obviously missing in the generally badly dressed present.

The women range from elegant to bawdy.

So, before you go to a Steampunk convention, read about them. But having done street evangelism myself, there’s nothing like meeting them in person and having a conversation. WARNING: I would not recommend this to anyone who has not experienced face to face evangelization and who is young in Christ spiritually.

Ed

Ed, this is going off-topic, but I both appreciate and am intrigued by your response.

If you had time, I would be very interested to hear more of your experiences with these folk - seeking to evangelise if I understand correctly.

Also something that interests me here is the possibility of not just face to face, but also internet evangelisation.

Something I am concerned about - and am also certainly “guilty” of - is that by participating in forums like this, one is always preaching to the choir.

I feel like there are all these other forums - including undoubtedly Steampunk ones - where Catholicism is probably invisible and it just needs to be made visible there.

 

[edwest2]

Ed, this is going off-topic, but I both appreciate and am intrigued by your response.

If you had time, I would be very interested to hear more of your experiences with these folk - seeking to evangelise if I understand correctly.

Also something that interests me here is the possibility of not just face to face, but also internet evangelisation.

Something I am concerned about - and am also certainly “guilty” of - is that by participating in forums like this, one is always preaching to the choir.

I feel like there are all these other forums - including undoubtedly Steampunk ones - where Catholicism is probably invisible and it just needs to be made visible there.

Think of “preaching to the choir” this way. How many of us have Catholic friends? Also, on the internet, we can do something the Bible tells us to do: “But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called “Today,” so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness.” Hebrews 3:13

How many of us talk to each other? Get to know each other - in person? And sin is on the increase in all media. Even in newspapers. I frequented a gathering place for non-Catholic Christians. It was designed around just spending time with each other, drinking coffee, and people would bring their acoustic guitars and sing and play Christian themed songs. There was an upper room divided into a social area and a prayer room where individuals could pray for each other. Books by C.S. Lewis were available for sale. That place is no longer there.

Regarding Steampunk, it, like all the other subcultures I know, is divided into three purposes: 1) To play dress-up and participate in various activities for fun. 2) To wear the clothing and related items (replica medals, etc.) and have an understanding of the history of the period, including how people behaved, especially men and women. And act it out for a day or two. 3) Some can be defined as reenactors like those who wear replica uniforms of German and Allied troops and use restored or modified vehicles to go out into the forests and live, for a time, like soldiers did during the period. I can recommend books that include all the personal items carried by the troops. Although it can be a bit disconcerting to see photos of Germans dressed in period military uniforms riding on a Panther tank in a part of town that has changed little since the war, or out in the field.

But back to Steampunk. Part of it is about recreating the Victorian era, and even reimagining it by creating Victorian looking gadgets to replace more modern or even futuristic counterparts. The danger is that it is being pushed as a movement, and God doesn’t have to matter. Personally, one may meet one or more different tribal groups, and it is hard to tell who believes what.

A google search will reveal a number of Steampunk sites and forums, but you need to dig into each tribe’s belief system. Read up. To do as the Romans do, and interact with them, you have to understand their customs, use of words, forms of address, etc. But, while claiming to be inclusive, some may be more hostile to religion than others. Another thing. Young or old, being well dressed, being well groomed and decorum are required. Young women, and I’ve known model beautiful women who were not the anorexic stick figures promoted by “fashion designers,” enjoy their natural, healthy beauty. To dress up in elegant period clothing and be ladies with poise, bearing and polite sensibilities appeals to them very much. Men are required to be the same. Masculine, polite and respectful toward ladies, which I did, and which went over splendidly with young ladies who knew what I knew. Giving them an appropriate amount of attention - rejecting the modern world’s version of male-female relationships. Pleasant conversation, really getting to know the other person and even dancing as people once did, with grace and elegance.

Evangelizing in person takes time. Introducing yourself and asking for a bit of someone’s time to discuss Steampunk is a start. You walk up to someone and introduce yourself, using your first and last name. If they respond and seem interested to talk, ask if you could talk to them about Steampunk. They will ask about you and take it from there. Some will be receptive, some will not, to any message you might have.

Doing this on the internet is easier but your approach needs to be genuine. It needs to be sincere and unwavering. I say this because some think of evangelizing as a simple thing and it can be, but forming relationships, and taking the time allows that important part, the Holy Spirit, to do His work. That is what real face to face evangelizing is about. Even if the conversation ends with, “I enjoyed talking with you,” then that will be that. Or you might hear, “Join me later so we can talk further.” But sincerity is difficult to judge on the internet. I hope people here think I’m sincere, but some may misunderstand what I’m saying or why I’m saying it.

Best,

Ed