a large number of religions and therapies that have become increasingly important since the 1970's
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How do NAM's differ from cults?
They lack the degree of coherence and organisational structure of many cults.
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What do NAM's have in common with cults?
They bring people together who are engaged in an individualistic quest for spiritual experience. However it has very few attributes associated with social or religious movements
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What does SUTCLIFFE (2003) point out that NAM's lack?
a leader, headquarters, prescribed text, organisational boundaries, a public policy and common goals
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What is the NAM policy on membership?
There is no concept of membership. Interested individuals can participate in any activity, what brings these people together is that they seek spiritual growth. Although they will all take individual paths
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What is the most important organisational form in NAMs?
The network - where individuals come into contact with like minded people in small groups. Likely to meet in houses or rented premises for special workshops
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Do members of NAMs engage in worship?
There is unlikely to be worship as some individuals may believe in God, however the sacred is likely to be seen as within. Thus there may be some ritual behaviour to assist the inner quest e.g. chanting
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What is their relationship to wider society?
New age seekers 'live in the world'. The only exception in the UK being Findhorn in Scotland which is a NA colony. Many are active in green campaigns and seek to improve the environment
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What 3 levels of commitment does HEELAS identify NAM members usually fall into?
1)The fully engaged 2)Serious part timers 3)Casual part timers
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What does HEELAS mean by 'The fully engaged'?
Given up ono conventional lifestyles for a spiritual quest
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What does HEELAS mean by 'Serious part timers'?
lLead conventional lives but devotes serious time and effort to spiritual concerns
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What does HEELAS mean by 'Casual part timers'?
experiment with 'exotic' things as consumers
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NAM evaluation - Why can't it be called a religion?
There is no evidence of a supernatural power, nor of much collective worship or common values which guide actions. It is also very individualistic, diverse and loosely organised.
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Why would it be unwise to dismiss the idea of New Age spirituality?
Increasing numbers of people in the west are seeking their inner self, spirituality, tranquility, love and creativity all of which can be found in their inner life
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Other cards in this set
Card 2
Front
How do NAM's differ from cults?
Back
They lack the degree of coherence and organisational structure of many cults.
Card 3
Front
What do NAM's have in common with cults?
Back
Card 4
Front
What does SUTCLIFFE (2003) point out that NAM's lack?
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