new religious movements

• NRM definition (Wallis)

  A rapid growth of smaller religious organisations

  Can either be:

  world rejecting

  -world affirming

  -world accomodating
• World rejecting (sects)

  -they are known as total institutions which control every aspect of the lives of their members

  -members are expected to be highly disciplined (devoting themselves to religion rather than personal pleasure)

  -they aim to create social change and have conflicting ideas with the state
• World affirming (cults)

  -similar to self help therapy groups that offer success and betterment through spiritual teachings

  -they accept their world by also aim to make individuals and the world a better place
• world accommodating (denominations)

  -the denominations are often a breakaway from churches

  -they don't reflect the world or try to make the world better

  -they simply 'get on' with the state of the world and focus of spirituality and religion rather than world affairs
• Evaluations-

  Wallis- accepts that some organisations do not fit in to his typology eg may live in a commune but hold down a job

  -beckford- categories are hard to apply as its not clear whether the beliefs of individuals or specific teachings of the movement are more important. Also doesnt take the diversity of views that exist into consideration
• Why do people join new religious movements

  -churches have done little to fill gaps left by adoption of modern belief systems

  -people seek to acquire a personal rationale-trying out various alternative until they find belief system that is suitable for them