the new age

Question 1

what does the term new age refer to?

Answer 1

-refers to a variety of mind-body-spirit ideas, interests, and therapies from around the world
-1980s, many of its practices and beliefs have existed for much longer. -spiritual aspect but are not part of organized religions.
- typically spread through media like films, music, books, shops, and seminars, and are often practiced independently of formal organizations.

Question 2

activities apart of new right

Answer 2

-mediataion
-acupuncture
-clairvoyance
-aroma therapy
-crystal healing
-natural healing
-yoga
- astrology
-manifestation
-hypnosis
- taichi

Question 3

two key features of the new age

Answer 3

-Self-spirituality: where people create their own spirituality by dipping into a range of beliefs and practices they choose
-Detraditionalisation: rejection of traditional and established religions, priests and texts and creation of new spirituality found within ourselves

Question 4

why does heelas describe the new age as holistic milieu

Answer 4

• involves more one to one activities (healer and client)
  -small group activities (yoga classes)

Question 5

bruce found women are much more likely then men to follow new age movements why is this

Answer 5

-easier to fit around their triple shift and fit into schedule e.g yoga sessions at home
- traditional religions are patriarchal
-new ages is less demanding
- seems as empowering for women
- become best version of self

Question 6

what five features does new age have according to bruce

Answer 6

-An emphasis on the self
-Everything is connected – body, mind and spirit
-There is no one higher than the self
-The global cafeteria – the beliefs, therapies and techniques are drawn from across the globe
-Therapy – the new age ideas are designed to make you more successful, healthier and happier

Question 7

why is new age a client cult

Answer 7

• buy into good and services
  -HEELAS says that new age requires little commitmet
• but need to buy into it e.g purchase products and books

Question 8

which social class does new age appeal to

Answer 8

-The middle class as they can afford to buy into the products and services offered
Glock argues that some middle class people may find the world too materialistic, lonely or impersonal and may feel spiritually or psychically deprived and seek more meaning in their lives

Question 9

why might the new age appeal most to the post mod society than science or traditional religion

Answer 9

-religion requires too much commitment in the busy post mod times
-science caused a risk society e.g global warming and pollution BECK
- new age fits better w the post mod society

Question 10

what does heelas say on the spiritual revolution

Answer 10

-Research in the rural community of Kendal in the Lake District explored the rise of New Age movements.
-Through questionnaires and interviews, the study found that while church attendance remained the dominant religious practice while increase in participation in New Age movements.
-reflecting the individualistic nature of modern society and were more relevant today, requiring less commitment than traditional churches.
- suggested this could signal a “spiritual revolution,” potentially leading to New Age practices overtaking churches in the future.

Question 11

how does sutcliffe evaluate the new age actually being a new religious movement

Answer 11

-new age lacks diverse range of ideas and lacks features like premises and leaders, shared beliefs and rituals such am extent that it can’t be seen as a movement
- more of a means for the individual to pursue their own self and inner spirituality
-has loose network of like minded individuals who keep in touch thru the internet and net working sites

Question 12

how does bruce evaluate if the new age is a NRM

Answer 12

-in the 2011 census only about 2% of the population identified with religions which might be described as new ages
- new age is merely an extension of the doctors surgery or beauty parlour or gym
- yoga has lost its spiritual roots and become a form of exercise
HOWEVER, in 2011 census showed increase in these types of religion

Question 13

how does heelas evaluate the new age

Answer 13

• its diff to NRMS as beliefs and practices are mainstream
  embedddd across a range of cultural channels such as internet and films, shops and books
  no other NRM has had such an impact
  BUT some ideas of the new age aren’t new at all, they originate from paganism which predates christianity