Key Concepts of New Religious Movements to Know for Sociology of Religion

New Religious Movements (NRMs) reflect diverse beliefs and practices that challenge traditional religions. From Scientology's focus on self-improvement to Wicca's nature worship, these groups often face scrutiny and controversy, highlighting the complex relationship between faith, society, and identity.

1. Scientology

   • Founded by L. Ron Hubbard in the early 1950s, emphasizing self-improvement and spiritual enlightenment through auditing.
   • Utilizes a unique set of beliefs and practices, including the concept of thetans (immortal spiritual beings) and the E-meter device for spiritual counseling.
   • Controversial for its secretive nature, aggressive legal tactics against critics, and allegations of abuse and exploitation.

2. Mormonism

   • Established by Joseph Smith in the 1820s, centered around the Book of Mormon as a sacred text alongside the Bible.
   • Emphasizes the importance of family, community, and missionary work, with a strong focus on personal revelation and modern-day prophets.
   • Faces scrutiny for its historical practices, such as polygamy, and its evolving stance on race and gender roles.

3. Jehovah's Witnesses

   • Originated in the late 19th century, known for their distinct beliefs about the Kingdom of God and the rejection of traditional Christian doctrines.
   • Practices include door-to-door evangelism, refusal of military service, and abstaining from blood transfusions based on biblical interpretations.
   • Criticized for its strict organizational structure, shunning practices, and handling of abuse allegations within the community.

4. Hare Krishna

   • Part of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), founded in the 1960s, promoting devotion to Lord Krishna through chanting and community living.
   • Emphasizes the practice of bhakti yoga (devotional service) and the importance of the Bhagavad Gita and other Vedic texts.
   • Often associated with countercultural movements, facing challenges related to its communal lifestyle and financial practices.

5. Falun Gong

   • Founded by Li Hongzhi in the early 1990s, combining meditation, qigong exercises, and moral teachings based on truthfulness, compassion, and forbearance.
   • Gained rapid popularity in China before being banned by the government in 1999, leading to widespread persecution of its practitioners.
   • Advocates for human rights and religious freedom, drawing international attention to issues of state repression.

6. Wicca

   • A modern pagan, witchcraft religion that emerged in the mid-20th century, emphasizing nature worship, rituals, and the worship of a Goddess and God.
   • Practices include spellwork, seasonal festivals (Sabbats), and a strong ethical code known as the Wiccan Rede, which promotes harm none.
   • Faces misconceptions and stigma, often being conflated with negative stereotypes of witchcraft.

7. Raëlism

   • Founded by Claude Vorilhon (Raël) in the 1970s, claiming that life on Earth was created by extraterrestrial beings called the Elohim.
   • Promotes a message of peace, universal love, and the importance of scientific advancement, alongside rituals and community gatherings.
   • Controversial for its views on sexuality, cloning, and its perceived cult-like structure.

8. Heaven's Gate

   • Founded in the 1970s by Marshall Applewhite and Bonnie Nettles, combining elements of Christianity, UFO beliefs, and New Age spirituality.
   • Gained notoriety for the mass suicide of 39 members in 1997, believing they would ascend to a spaceship following the Hale-Bopp comet.
   • Highlights the psychological and social dynamics of cult behavior and the impact of charismatic leadership.

9. Branch Davidians

   • A splinter group from the Davidian movement, led by David Koresh in the 1990s, known for its apocalyptic beliefs and stockpiling of weapons.
   • Gained national attention during the 1993 Waco siege, resulting in a tragic standoff with federal agents and significant loss of life.
   • Raises questions about religious extremism, government intervention, and the rights of religious groups.

10. Unification Church (Moonies)

    • Founded by Sun Myung Moon in the 1950s, promoting the idea of a "True Family" and the unification of all religions under one belief system.
    • Known for mass weddings and a strong emphasis on family values, community service, and missionary work.
    • Criticized for its authoritarian structure, financial practices, and the controversial nature of its teachings.