The 19th century saw the rise of new religious movements, mainly of Christian origin. Transliterations from Islamic and Buddhist religions were made available to a larger public by the beginning of the 20th century. These new movements were often led, in large part, by charismatic leaders such L. Ron Hubbard. We'll be learning about the origins of these religious movements and their practices in this article.
Contemporary society and religions
In contemporary society, religion is becoming increasingly secular and diluted. It is expected that the rise of secularization will undermine the plausibility and legitimacy of religious belief. This is why it is crucial to have shared belief systems. Secular societies allow public institutions to perform the same social functions that religious ones but without the "irrational” restrictions that go with religion.
Because of the diversity of religious practices, religion can be complex. There are four dimensions that all religions share in common. They include belief in ritual, spiritual experience, unique forms and communities.
Alternative religious movements
Alternative religious movements are a new trend with modern origins, but occupy a marginal place in society. They are also known by the names alternative religions or spirituality. These movements exist to promote spiritual growth and deeper understanding of human nature. Some of these movements are founded on ancient beliefs while some others have modern origins.
California was once a center for alternative religions. Hare Krishna groups performed in airports, and they danced down Telegraph Avenue. Buddhist teachers attracted many new followers, Sufi choirs sang at concerts, and weekly radio programs introduced new spiritual leaders to the public. Despite their growing popularity, some scholars tried to suppress these new religious movements.
Their origins
New religious movements emerged during the twentieth century. These new religious movements often take a different approach to traditional religious practices or place emphasis on the human potential. The leaders and members of the new religions have certain characteristics. They also share basic organizational imperatives. However, the practices and theology of new religious movements often differ greatly from one another.
The study of new religious movements has expanded from a small group of scholars in the 1960s to several hundred scholars today. The rise in popularity of new religions was accompanied by mass media. These new mediums enabled religions worldwide exposure and financial support.
Their practices
The Archives at the Graduate Theological Union house collections of materials related to New Religious Movements (NRMs). This collection contains materials from more than 900 groups including alternative and quasi-religious religious movements, witchcraft and new age communes and metaphysical movements. The collections include correspondence and position papers as well promotional materials.
People use the term "new religious" in different ways. Some believe that NRMs are a new way of thinking, while others use it to describe religions in general. NRMs are characterised by charismatic leaders. In addition, NRMs often involve a membership base of converts.
Their impact upon Catholicism
Modernist thinking began to have a clear impact on society after the Second World War. The Faith suffered a massive decline throughout much of Europe. Reports of churches falling apart and entire generations abandoning Catholicism were common. Many American tourists returning from Europe during this period saw empty churches and barren land. They had less impact on their country but these ideas still had an influence.
Pope Martin V convened Basel's Council shortly before his death, in 1431. The Council dealt with issues from church reform to national pressures. It also examined the definition of God.