NRMs and NAMs

Question 1

Wallis

Answer 1

Categorises NRMs into world-accepting, world-accommodating and world-rejecting based on their interaction with society

Question 2

World-affirming NRMs

Answer 2

Accept the world as it is and therefore promise their followers help to achieve mainstream goals. They are non-exclusive and are tolerant of other religions e.g. Scientology

Question 3

World-accommodating NRMs

Answer 3

Neither accept nor reject the world, as they believe that spiritual matters are more important than worldly matters. These are breakaways from Churches and therefore have most in common with denominations e.g. Neo-Pentecostalism

Question 4

World-rejecting NRMs

Answer 4

These are highly critical of the outside world and seek radical societal change. Members break from society to live communally and follow conservative codes. They are millenarian - they expect intervention to change the world e.g. the Moonies and Jim Jones’ People’s Temple

Question 5

Weber

Answer 5

Those who are marginalised turn to world rejecting NRMs as they offer a “theodicy of disprivilege” whereby the NRM offers an explanation and solution to oppression

Question 6

Stark and Bainbridge

Answer 6

The W/C join world rejecting NRMs for compensation in their next life and to feel part of something bigger than themselves; M/C join world affirming NRMs due to focus on career/material goals (Relative deprivation)

Question 7

Wilson

Answer 7

Sects offer a solution to the uncertainty of social change - e.g. during the period of industrialisation Methodism emerged

Question 8

What other two motives do individuals have for joining an NRM?

Answer 8

Pragmatism and the spiritual void

Question 9

Niebuhr

Answer 9

Sects tend to be short-lived or compromise and become a denomination for three reasons: a death of a leader, the Protestant ethic effect or the second generation effect

Question 10

Stark and Bainbridge

Answer 10

The Sectarian cycle:

1: A sect forms after a breakaway from a Church.
2: Initial fervour due to a charismatic leader that creates tension between the sect and society.
3: Denominationalism (Protestant ethic)
4: Establishment - sect becomes world accepting.
5: Further schism as less privileged members break away and form new sects.

Question 11

Drane

Answer 11

The growth of NAMs is evidence of postmodernism and the failure of science

Question 12

Bruce

Answer 12

Sees the focus on individualism as late modern

Question 13

Heelas and Woodhead

Answer 13

Found there was a rise in the holistic milieu whereby females particularly were engaging in new forms of religiosity (NAMs). Features of NAMs include self-spirituality and the value being placed on experience