New Religious Movements
- Created by: Thomas Cebula
- Created on: 02-05-11 10:53
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- Barker (1984) derived the term NRM.
- There has been a huge increase in the number and range of small religious groups.
- 25,000 NRM's in Europe.
- 12,000 NRM's in England.
- Term NRM is more neutral compared to cult or sect which present a negative image.
- Wallis (1985): NRM's mainly drew upon distinct traditions, non-western religion, psychology and psychotherapy.
- Types of NRM'S:
- 1. World-Accommodating:
- More Orthodox
- Offshoot of existing churches. e.g Subud=Islam.
- Breaks away from the church.
- Believes the church has lost religious purity.
- Similar to denominations.
- More politically conservative.
- High value on inner religious self.
- Examples: Siddha Yoga ( Meditative Hindu-based , Not primarily to help cope with/ succeed in life, very 'cult' like and developed complex organizational structures.
- 2. World-Affirming:
- Generally accept the world
- Individualistic
- No developed theology
- No Collective Worship.
- Techniques so clients can discover their spiritual power
- Conservative language.
- Middle-aged/middle class people
- In search of new positive meaning.
- Examples: Transcendental Meditation (Brought by Mahareshi Mahesh Yogi in 1950's. Build a personal mantra and finding yourself through positive thinking)
- 3.World-Rejecting NRM:
- Highly critical of outside world
- Politically Radical
- Morally conservative ( Millenarian expect divine intervention to change the world)
- Significant commitment from members
- strong ethical code
- Adopt a communal life style
- Shared possessions
- Public Scrutiny: Horror at level of indoctrination of which led to mass suicide.
- For example: 909…
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