New Religious Movements This lecture examines the emergence, development, and diversity of new religious movements (NRMs) from the mid-19th century to the present day. It explores how these movements arise in response to social change, spiritual dissatisfaction, and the search for identity in modernity and postmodernity. Students will learn how NRMs reinterpret traditional religious symbols and beliefs, often blending elements from different faiths, philosophies, and cultural contexts. Case studies include movements such as the Baháʼí Faith, Scientology, the Unification Church, Neo-Paganism, and various New Age and millenarian groups. The lecture also addresses sociological and theological perspectives on NRMs, public controversies surrounding them, and the role of media in shaping their image. Ultimately, it invites critical reflection on what constitutes “religion” in a pluralistic world and how new spiritual expressions continue to reshape the global religious landscape.

Date: Monday, December 15th, at 10:00 a.m., US Eastern Time.
Topic: Religion