New Religious Movements Typology - Beliefs Flashcards
Who developed this typology and when?
Wallis - 1984
Why did Wallis create this new typology?
To understand the developments of any new religions in Britain in the mid to late 20th century
What are the 3 types of religious organisations?
- World Accommodating NRM = similar to a denomination
- World Rejecting NRM = similar to a sect
- World Affirming NRM = similar to a cult
What is the structure of a world accommodating NRM?
Loose knit + non-hierarchical
What is the world view of a world accommodating NRM?
They neither reject or accept the world and are focused on religious matters, seeking to restore religious purity and spirituality
- are concerned with the world in terms of drugs/poverty etc as well as the perceived corruption of organised established religions
What is the commitment of a world accommodating NRM?
Low level commitment
What is the social base of a world accommodating NRM?
Aspirational lower class groups = referred to a ‘theology of uplift’
What is a world accommodating NRM’s attitude to other religions?
They are tolerant
What is the structure of a world rejecting NRM?
They often have a charismatic leader who can encourage people to join but no hierarchy of paid officials
What is the world view of a world rejecting NRM?
Typically hostile to wider society and often receive hostility in return due to their extreme views of society
What is the commitment of a world rejecting NRM?
High level of commitment - must break off from former life
What is the social base of a world rejecting NRM?
Poor, oppressed and marginalised of society
What is a world rejecting NRM’s attitude to other religions?
Intolerant
What is the structure of a world affirming NRM?
Not organised at all - lacks all the features of traditional religion
What is the world view of a world affirming NRM?
Positive view of society - main aims is to make the world a better place
