New Religious Movements In The Twenty First Century

First Published in 2004. Routledge is an imprint of Taylor & Francis, an informa company.

This survey considers the global religious situation at the approach of the new millennium. It provides an introduction to a variety of new religious movements, and examines the role of the Interfaith Movement as well as the use of modern technology.

A unique and informative survey of the global religious situation as we enter the new millennium. Through a thematic and people-oriented approach, this book provides a valuable introduction to a variety of new religious movements -- whether founded as offshoots of traditional religions or as a result of the Interfaith Movement and the ways in which modern technology is spreading religions both new and old.

Offers a brief introduction to new religious movements, discussing why people join them, what effects they have on individual members, their families, and society as a whole, and how governments reconcile the principle of religious freedom with their duty to protect the public from potential harm.

Witchcraft, new-age movements, Christian 'cults' - the religions of the new millenium are explained and discussed in this fascinating book. This book looks at the great many new religious movements that have grown up all over the world since the Second World War. It raises vital questions such as: Why do people join them? What effect do they have on individual members, their families and society as a whole? And how can governments reconcile the principle of religious freedom with their duty to protect the public from potential harm? Throughout the book their are differing viewpoints, facts and debates which allow the reader to make up their own mind about the subject.

New Religious Movements: A Guide for the Perplexed examines the phenomenon of new faiths and alternative spiritualities which has become a feature of the contemporary world. Those interested in the spiritual dimension to life are no longer limited to the major world faiths, but can draw upon a rapidly-expanding range of new religions. Some of these are derived from the major religions, some are a re-working of ancient traditions, while others signify a completely new departure in spiritual experience. This book analyses the concepts we use to discuss new religions, and surveys a range of different movements which were established in the second half of the 20th century. Paul Oliver explores the organization of the movements, and the psychological aspects of life within them; the distribution of power and authority within movements; the position of women in relation to such organizations, and finally, the nature of the evolution and expansion of such movements in relation to post-modern society. This book is ideal for students wishing to understand the more perplexing elements of this contemporary phenomenon.

In the face of the increasingly variegated ideological landscape of contemporary America, cults have become the focus of public controversy. The growth of new religions has been matched by the development of an organized and vocal opposition, the anti-cult movement. This in turn has prompted an extensive investigation of new religious movements (NRMs) by sociologists and psychologists of religion, as well as historians and religious studies scholars. The readings collected here contribute to the debate about cults by sampling some of the best and most accessible publications from the academic study of NRMs.The contributors address the questions most commonly asked about cults, such as: What brought about the emergence of new religious movements? What is a cult or new religious movement? Who joins new religious movements and why? Are converts to new religious movements brainwashed? Why did the Jonestown and Waco tragedies happen? Are cults inclined to be violent? What does the emergence of so many new religious movements say about our society? What does it say about the future of religion?Cults in Context surveys the descriptive typologies, theories, and data accumulated by sociologists and psychologists studying new religious movements over the last twenty years. It serves to defuse many popular fears and misconceptions about cults, allowing the reader to develop a more reasonable and tolerant understanding of the people who join new religious movements and the functions of these movements in contemporary society.