The New Religions — Issues and Controversies

Abstract

The new religions, ranging from the new religious movements (NRMs) to the New Age, have obviously attracted a great deal of academic interest. Among the themes that have been explored in depth are; who is attracted to the new religions, why are some more successful than others and why do a very small number control their members in an abusive way to the extent of bringing the self-destruction of the group? This chapter considers these issues and also looks at how state authorities and the public at large have responded to these new movements and examines what the wider implications are.