15.2 Major New Religious Movements
3 min read•august 7, 2024
New religious movements have emerged worldwide, blending elements from established faiths with new ideas. These groups range from and to and , each offering unique beliefs and practices.
Eastern-influenced movements like and have also gained followers. These diverse groups reflect the ongoing evolution of spiritual thought and the human search for meaning in the modern world.
Abrahamic-Derived New Religious Movements
Mormonism and Jehovah's Witnesses
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- Mormonism founded by in the early 19th century
- Believes in modern prophets and additional scriptures ()
- Practices include baptism for the dead and temple ceremonies
- Jehovah's Witnesses originated in the late 19th century
- Emphasize the imminent end of the world and the establishment of God's kingdom on Earth
- Known for door-to-door preaching and refusal to celebrate holidays or birthdays
Baha'i Faith and Unification Church
- founded by in 19th-century Persia
- Teaches the unity of all religions and the oneness of humanity
- Believes in the progressive revelation of religious truth through a series of divine messengers (including Abraham, Moses, Buddha, Jesus, and Muhammad)
- founded by in South Korea in 1954
- Combines elements of Christianity, Confucianism, and Korean shamanism
- Emphasizes the importance of marriage and family in achieving spiritual perfection
Modern Esoteric and New Age Movements
Scientology
- Scientology developed by in the 1950s
- Teaches that humans are immortal spiritual beings who have forgotten their true nature
- Practices include "," a form of counseling that aims to help individuals become aware of their spiritual nature and achieve a state of spiritual enlightenment
- Scientology has faced criticism and controversy over its beliefs, practices, and treatment of members
- Some countries have refused to recognize it as a religion, citing concerns about its business practices and alleged abuses
Wicca
- Wicca is a modern pagan religion that emerged in the mid-20th century
- Centered on the worship of nature and the celebration of seasonal cycles
- Practitioners often perform rituals and spells, and may work with deities or spirits associated with nature
- Wicca emphasizes personal spiritual experience and the development of one's own relationship with the divine
- Encourages individual exploration and interpretation of spiritual beliefs and practices
New Religious Movements with Eastern Influences
Falun Gong
- Falun Gong is a spiritual movement that emerged in China in the 1990s
- Combines elements of Buddhism, Taoism, and qigong (a Chinese system of physical exercises and breathing control)
- Teaches that practitioners can achieve spiritual enlightenment and physical well-being through meditation and moral living
- Falun Gong has faced severe persecution by the Chinese government since 1999
- China has accused the movement of being a dangerous cult and has imprisoned and tortured many of its followers
Rastafarianism
- Rastafarianism originated in Jamaica in the 1930s
- Believes that , the former Emperor of Ethiopia, was a divine being and the messiah prophesied in the Bible
- Emphasizes the spiritual use of cannabis, the rejection of materialism and oppression, and the eventual return to Africa for people of African descent
- Rastafarianism has had a significant influence on Jamaican culture and music (particularly reggae)
- Bob Marley, one of the most famous reggae musicians, was a committed Rastafarian and helped spread the movement's message through his music
Key Terms to Review (21)
Auditing: Auditing refers to the systematic examination and evaluation of an organization's financial statements, practices, or processes to ensure accuracy and compliance with established standards. Within the context of new religious movements, auditing can also encompass the assessment of beliefs, practices, and organizational structures to maintain integrity and accountability among members and leaders. This process often plays a crucial role in fostering trust and transparency within these communities.
Baha'i Faith: The Baha'i Faith is a relatively new religious movement founded in the mid-19th century that emphasizes the unity of all people and religions. It was established by Baha'u'llah, who is considered the latest in a line of prophets or 'Manifestations of God' that includes figures like Jesus, Muhammad, and Moses. This faith seeks to promote global peace, equality, and the elimination of prejudice, making it a significant player among major new religious movements.
Bahá'u'lláh: Bahá'u'lláh was the founder of the Bahá'í Faith, a new religious movement that emerged in the 19th century. He is recognized as the latest prophet or manifestation of God in a line that includes figures such as Jesus, Muhammad, and Moses, and he emphasized the unity of all religions and the importance of global peace and justice.
Book of Mormon: The Book of Mormon is a sacred text of the Latter-day Saint movement, which includes the beliefs and practices of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormons). It is believed to be a record of ancient American civilizations and their dealings with God, serving as another testament of Jesus Christ alongside the Bible. The book plays a central role in the faith and theology of its adherents, influencing their beliefs about salvation, the nature of God, and the purpose of life.
Communal living: Communal living refers to a lifestyle where individuals share common spaces, resources, and responsibilities within a community. This arrangement is often founded on principles of cooperation, mutual support, and shared values, which can create a sense of belonging and enhance social bonds among members. In many new religious movements, communal living serves as a way to strengthen spiritual practice, foster collective identity, and create an environment that supports the ideals of the movement.
Conversion experience: A conversion experience is a profound, transformative event in which an individual undergoes a significant change in beliefs, values, or identity, often leading to a new spiritual or religious affiliation. This kind of experience typically involves a deep emotional response and can result in a dramatic shift in one’s worldview, influencing not just personal beliefs but also social interactions and community involvement.
Counterculture: Counterculture refers to a social movement or group that actively rejects and opposes the dominant cultural norms, values, and beliefs of society. This term often encompasses alternative lifestyles, ideologies, and practices that challenge mainstream conventions, especially during periods of significant social change. Countercultures can emerge in response to dissatisfaction with political, economic, or social conditions and often advocate for radical changes in society.
Falun Gong: Falun Gong, also known as Falun Dafa, is a spiritual practice that combines meditation, slow-moving exercises, and moral teachings centered on the principles of truthfulness, compassion, and forbearance. It emerged in China in the early 1990s and gained rapid popularity as a new religious movement, often noted for its emphasis on self-cultivation and personal improvement, as well as its tensions with the Chinese government.
Haile Selassie I: Haile Selassie I was the Emperor of Ethiopia from 1930 to 1974, renowned for his efforts to modernize the country and his role in the Rastafarian movement. He is viewed as a divine figure by Rastafarians, symbolizing African pride and liberation, which connects him deeply to new religious movements and contemporary indigenous spiritual practices.
Jehovah's Witnesses: Jehovah's Witnesses is a Christian denomination known for its distinct beliefs, particularly regarding the use of God's name, which they believe to be Jehovah. This group is recognized as a major new religious movement that emerged from the Bible Student movement in the late 19th century, with a strong emphasis on evangelism, door-to-door preaching, and an interpretation of biblical prophecies that significantly differs from mainstream Christianity.
Joseph Smith: Joseph Smith was the founder of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, also known as Mormonism, in the early 19th century. He is regarded as a prophet by followers who believe he translated the Book of Mormon, a sacred text that recounts the history and teachings of ancient American civilizations, establishing a major new religious movement in the United States.
L. Ron Hubbard: L. Ron Hubbard was an American author and the founder of Scientology, a new religious movement that emerged in the early 1950s. He is known for his writings on philosophy, self-improvement, and the nature of the human mind, particularly through his seminal work, 'Dianetics: The Modern Science of Mental Health.' Hubbard's teachings emphasize the potential for spiritual advancement and personal freedom through a unique set of beliefs and practices.
Mormonism: Mormonism is a religious movement within Christianity that was founded in the early 19th century by Joseph Smith. It emphasizes the belief in the Book of Mormon as an additional scripture alongside the Bible, and includes distinct doctrines about God, Jesus Christ, and human potential, setting it apart from mainstream Christianity.
Post-war spirituality: Post-war spirituality refers to the spiritual movements and religious expressions that emerged in the aftermath of World War II, reflecting a search for meaning, healing, and community in a world profoundly altered by conflict. This era saw a rise in interest toward alternative spiritual practices, New Age beliefs, and a blending of various religious traditions as individuals sought to reconcile trauma and foster a sense of hope and renewal.
Proselytism: Proselytism is the practice of actively seeking to convert individuals from one religion or belief system to another. This often involves missionary work and outreach efforts aimed at persuading others to embrace a particular faith, reflecting a commitment to spreading religious beliefs and values.
Rastafarianism: Rastafarianism is a religious and social movement that emerged in Jamaica during the 1930s, characterized by a belief in the divinity of Haile Selassie I, the former Emperor of Ethiopia. This movement is deeply rooted in Afrocentric identity, promoting cultural pride, resistance against oppression, and a connection to African heritage. Rastafarianism combines elements of Christianity, mysticism, and African traditions, and emphasizes the importance of repatriation to Africa as a response to the historical injustices faced by people of African descent.
Scientology: Scientology is a set of religious beliefs and practices created by L. Ron Hubbard in the early 1950s, which emphasizes the spiritual rehabilitation of individuals through a process called auditing. The movement is known for its unique approach to mental health, self-improvement, and the belief in a spiritual being known as the 'thetan' that transcends the physical body. It also incorporates elements of Eastern religions and Western psychology, making it a significant example of a new religious movement.
Sectarianism: Sectarianism refers to the division and conflict that arises between different groups within a religion or between various religious traditions. It often manifests as hostility or discrimination against those perceived to belong to different sects, leading to fragmentation within communities and sometimes violent confrontations. In the context of religious development, sectarianism can shape the evolution of belief systems and practices, influencing how groups establish their identity and maintain their beliefs.
Sun Myung Moon: Sun Myung Moon was a Korean religious leader who founded the Unification Church, also known as the Moonies, in 1954. He is known for his teachings on marriage, family values, and the concept of 'True Parents,' which he promoted as essential to spiritual salvation and world peace. His influence extended beyond religion into political and social spheres, making him a significant figure in major new religious movements.
Unification Church: The Unification Church, founded by Sun Myung Moon in the 1950s, is a new religious movement that emphasizes the creation of a unified world under God, promoting a unique theology centered around family values and world peace. It gained attention for its mass weddings and teachings that advocate for the idea of 'True Parents' as essential to the restoration of humanity and creation of a peaceful society.
Wicca: Wicca is a modern pagan, witchcraft religion that emphasizes the worship of nature, the practice of magic, and the reverence of a Goddess and God. This faith draws on ancient pagan traditions and rituals, integrating them into contemporary practices. Wicca has gained popularity as part of the broader New Religious Movement landscape and shares certain beliefs with Contemporary Indigenous Religious Movements, particularly in its respect for nature and earth-centered spirituality.