New Religious Movements: A Very Short Introduction

By Stephen J Stein

This Very Short Introduction seeks to define and describe New Religious Movements, and to document their presence across the face of the globe. NRMs are commonly defined by tension with and opposition to dominant and longstanding religious traditions. Often such movements have been identified as "sects" and "cults," highly pejorative categories. This volume, which rejects such a viewpoint, identifies the origin, nature, diversity, and appeal of such religious movements, which have arisen in every region of the world.

Stein emphasizes the worldwide geographical distribution of NRMs and the diverse social and religious contexts from which they have arisen. Examples used to illustrate this point include the Raelian movement, which originated in Europe; Santeria, which came from Africa and also reflects Carribean influences; the Bahai faith, which began in the Middle East; the International Society of Krishna Consciousness, which was founded in South Asia; and the Unification Church, which hails from East Asia. Stein discusses the powerful role of the principal figures who have founded these movements, and the leading points of contrast between such groups and other longstanding religious traditions, including the role of new scriptures, such as Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, from the Church of Christ, Scientist; the distinctive codes of conduct, such as those of Fiat Lux (monastic lifestyle), the Unification Church (arranged marriages), the Radhasoami tradition (vegetarianism), and the Shakers (celibacy); and the contrasting visions of the future. This volume also provides commentary on the present circumstances of these religious communities and the particular problems confronting such new religious groups.

The specific NRMs that are featured in this volume are drawn from every continent. In the contemporary world, religious movements and traditions move easily from continent to continent with the result that national boundaries rarely limit the expansion and adoption of NRMs. This volume is premised on the assumption that there is no reason to assume that the growth and development of New Religious Movements will subside or cease in the future.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0195398688
• ISBN13: 9780195398687
• Release Date: October 2099
• Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA
• Length: 160 Pages