WHEATON COLLEGE
Norton, MA

Religion 102 (01) Introduction to World Religions

New Religious Movements Study Guide

revised as of 4/25/00

I. Key Terms:

  cult  Theosophical Society  Science of Spirituality
 sect  Roerich Society  Neo-Paganism
 millennium Great White Brotherhood  Witchcraft (Wicca)
  syncretism  Santeria  Gaia
 Rastafarianism  Voodoo  New Age Spirituality
 Jehovah's Witnesses  Christian Science  Findhorn
 Mahikari  Radhasoami  Baha'i
 Spiritualism  Sant Mat  

II. Focus Questions:

1. In light of this chapter, and in light of the entire book, why should it not be surprising for new religious movements to develop?

2. Select any two of the new religious movements in the chapter and discuss their understanding of Ultimate Reality. Is Ultimate Reality immanent, transcendent, incarnational, monotheistic, etc.?

3. Select any two of the new religious movements which are "offshoots" of an established religion. Discuss their relationship to the established religion from which they come. What similarities are apparent between the new religion and its "parent"? What are the most striking differences between the two? Why did these "branches" develop?