World-rejecting

Definition

World-rejecting refers to a type of new religious movement that actively opposes and seeks to separate itself from the values, norms, and practices of mainstream society. These groups often view the secular world as corrupt or sinful, advocating for a radical transformation of life through strict moral codes, communal living, and sometimes apocalyptic beliefs. This rejection is not merely passive; it involves a proactive stance where adherents strive to create an alternative lifestyle that embodies their spiritual ideals.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. World-rejecting movements typically require high levels of commitment from their members, including strict adherence to rules and communal living arrangements.
2. These groups often develop a sense of elitism, believing they possess exclusive truth or knowledge that sets them apart from the 'unenlightened' world.
3. Members may face social isolation from family and friends outside the movement due to their radical beliefs and lifestyle choices.
4. Many world-rejecting groups emphasize spiritual practices such as prayer, meditation, or asceticism to cultivate their detachment from worldly concerns.
5. Some prominent examples of world-rejecting movements include the Hare Krishna movement and various apocalyptic sects, each offering unique interpretations of their separation from mainstream culture.

Review Questions

• How do world-rejecting movements maintain their identity and cohesion despite being separate from mainstream society?
  • World-rejecting movements maintain their identity and cohesion through a combination of strict doctrines, shared rituals, and communal living arrangements. Members are often encouraged to fully immerse themselves in the group’s beliefs, leading to a strong sense of belonging. The isolation from mainstream society further reinforces group solidarity, as members view themselves as protectors of a higher truth against external influences.
• Compare and contrast world-rejecting movements with world-affirming movements regarding their approach to society.
  • World-rejecting movements actively seek to separate themselves from mainstream society, viewing its values as corrupt or flawed. They advocate for a lifestyle that embodies their spiritual ideals through strict codes of conduct. In contrast, world-affirming movements engage with society while promoting personal development and well-being. While world-rejecting groups focus on creating alternative communities, world-affirming groups aim to transform individual lives within the existing societal framework.
• Evaluate the role of apocalyptic beliefs in shaping the practices and community dynamics of world-rejecting movements.
  • Apocalyptic beliefs play a crucial role in shaping the practices and community dynamics of world-rejecting movements by providing a narrative that justifies their separation from mainstream society. These beliefs often foster urgency among members to prepare for an impending transformative event, reinforcing their commitment to communal living and strict adherence to group norms. Additionally, the expectation of imminent change creates a powerful bond among members, as they collectively navigate their shared convictions about impending realities that contrast sharply with the perceived corruption of the outside world.

Related terms

New Religious Movements: Spiritual communities or organizations that have emerged relatively recently and often incorporate beliefs and practices distinct from mainstream religions.

World-affirming: A type of new religious movement that seeks to affirm and integrate with the existing world rather than reject it, often focusing on personal development and well-being.

Apocalypticism: The belief in an impending end of the world, which can motivate world-rejecting groups to separate from society in preparation for a transformative event.