New age movments

• What does New Age spirituality reject?

  Obligation and obedience to external authority
• What is emphasized in New Age spirituality?

  Life as a journey of discovery
• How does individualism manifest in New Age spirituality?

  Individuals decide what is true for themselves
• What are the key concepts of self-spirituality and self-religion?

  • Personal development
  • Autonomy
  • Connecting with one's inner self
• Who criticizes secularization theory for assuming religion is declining?

  Lyon
• What does Lyon argue about unconventional beliefs?

  They are growing in a period of re-enchantment
• What does Lyon point to as evidence of non-traditional religion's vitality?

  The growth of unconventional beliefs in the West
• What is suggested by the term 'spiritual revolution'?

  Traditional Christianity is giving way to holistic spirituality
• How can the spiritual market be observed?

  Through self-help books and therapies
• What are the differences between religion and spirituality according to Heelas and Woodhead?

  • Religion: duty, self-sacrifice, external authority
  • Spirituality: discovery, personal development, inner self
• What percentage of the population attended church in 2000?

  7.9%
• What percentage of the population participated in holistic milieu activities in 2000?

  1.6%
• What trend did Heelas and Woodhead observe in traditional churches?

  They are losing support
• What explains the growth of New Age spirituality according to Heelas and Woodhead?

  A subjective turn in today's culture
• What is the problem of scale in New Age spirituality according to Bruce?

  It needs to grow larger to fill gaps
• What percentage of parents involved in New Age said their children shared their interests in Kendal?

  32%
• What did Glendinning and Bruce find about commitment to New Age beliefs?

  Serious commitment is very rare
• Why does New Age spirituality lack cohesion as a movement?

  Everyone is free to believe whatever they wish
• What does Bellah's concept of 'Sheilaism' illustrate?

  Self-religion and personal belief systems
• How many activities and practitioners are estimated in the New Age in the UK?

  2000 activities and 146000 practitioners
• What are the two common themes characterizing the New Age according to Heelas?

  Self-spirituality and detraditionalization
• How do New Age beliefs vary?

  World-affirming and world-rejecting aspects
• What does John Drane argue about New Age movements?

  They reflect a shift towards postmodern society
• What has caused disillusionment with experts and professionals?

  Failures of science and churches to meet needs
• What does Bruce argue about the growth of New Age spirituality?

  It is a feature of modern society
• How does Bruce describe New Age beliefs in relation to traditional Eastern religions?

  They are softer versions of demanding traditions
• Why are New Age activities often considered audience or client cults?

  They make few demands on followers
• How is New Age spirituality linked to modernity according to Heelas?

  1. Source of identity
  2. Consumer culture dissatisfaction
  3. Rapid social change
  4. Decline of organized religion
• What does the New Age offer in response to modern society's fragmented identity?

  A source of authentic identity
• How does New Age spirituality address consumer culture?

  It offers an alternative way to achieve perfection
• What does New Age spirituality provide in response to rapid social change?

  A sense of certainty and truth
• How does modernity lead to the decline of organized religion?

  It results in secularization