new age movements

Question 1

what are new age movements?

Answer 1

aim for achievement of self discovery, personal growth, self perfection, harnessing inner potential

Question 2

what are NAM also referred to as?

Answer 2

‘me religions’ / ‘self religion’

Question 3

components of NAMs

Answer 3

• belief in natural energy
• belief in power of nature
• occult practices
• belief in reincarnation

Question 4

summary of Paganism

Answer 4

• 80,000 in England/Wales
• focus on natural world, romanticism + ordering solstice cards
• difficult to define movement as its diverse and doesn’t have a measurement/ textbook

Question 5

why are NAMs continuing to grow? + sociologist

Answer 5

BRUCE:
1. accommodate cultural diversity
2. mirror postmodern right to choose
3. reflects consumerist society

Question 6

explanation of tolerance + diversity: bruce

Answer 6

• inclusive, stress unity within diversity
• ‘monopoly’ of truth rejected- accept many beliefs
• status given to each person + value whatever works for them

Question 7

explanation of individualism: bruce

Answer 7

• appeal to individualism valued in society- freedom to adopt lifestyle of their choice
• no longer accept old rules/expectations

Question 8

explanation of consumerism: bruce

Answer 8

• packaged + sold like products- allows people to become consumers/spiritual shoppers
• buying establishes consumer in charge