RST2603 - New Religious Movements: Cults, New Age and related Phenomenona (RST2603)
Institution
University Of South Africa (Unisa)
RTS 2603 New Religious Movements - Assignment 5 (2019). Discussion on New Religous Movement typologies of Anthony & Robbins and of Wallis with regards to Spiritualism, Scientology and Desteni.
RST2603 - New Religious Movements: Cults, New Age and related Phenomenona (RST2603)
All documents for this subject (18)
2
reviews
By: mbalyyamashengelwazy • 1 year ago
By: mnguniphumzile386 • 3 year ago
Not happy since is not NRM ive chosed to write about was hoping im going to get every NRM about
Seller
Follow
liezlstodart
Reviews received
Content preview
RST2603 NEW RELIGIOUS MOVEMENTS
ASSIGNMENT 05
NEW RELIGIOUS MOVEMENT TYPOLOGIES
This paper discusses how three different New Religious Movements fit into the typologies suggested
by Anthony and Robbins (1978) and by Wallis (), respectively. Anthony and Robbins proposed two
types of new religious movements based on its belief in a God or higher power (Dualistic) or not
(Monistic). Dualistic movements believe that God is a higher power existing in a dimension separate
from his creation and mankind. God is seen as superior and obedience to his commandments plays a
big part in such movements. Monistic movements view nature and humankind as one whole and does
not believe in a higher power.
Steyn (2009) quotes Wallis as distinguishing between three typologies, namely world-rejecting, world-
affirming and world-accommodating movements. World-rejecting movements believe that the
current world order has strayed from the true path set by the Lord. They believe that they know the
path and that all in the world that, according to them, opposes that view is wrong and should be
rejected. Such movements generally have strict moral codes, demand loyalty from their members,
live away from society and are critical of the outside world. World-affirming movements do not
believe that the world is bad or wrong as such, but that man has not reached his full potential within
this world. These movements purport to provide techniques through which people can fulfil their full
potential in this world without having to withdraw from it. The movements typically accept society,
they have mainstream values, they assist members in attaining mainstream goals and do not place
great demands on members. In world-accommodating movements, the focus is on the importance
of religion for a person’s inner life. These movements are typically breakaways from existing religions,
by members who believe that the original religion has strayed from its true path or purpose. The
breakaway movement’s focus is on religious matters, aiming to restore the perceived former purity of
the religion. These movements are not demanding and neither affirm nor reject mainstream society.
SPIRITUALISM
a) Anthony and Robbins
Spiritualism can be typified as a Dualistic movement in terms of the Anthony and Robbins
typology set. The UK Spiritualists’ National Union website (www.snu.org.uk) answers the
question: “Do Spiritualists believe in God?” as follows:
“Yes. Our first principle, “The Fatherhood of God” refers to our acknowledgement that God
is a universal presence and central to all things. Spiritualists may personally use different
names for this, such as the God Force, the Divine Spirit or the Great Spirit. However, all have
their understanding that God is the source of all life and all things.”
The fact that Spiritualists believe in God qualifies the movement as dualistic. The Declaration
of Spiritualist Principles (diversiton.com; bbc.co.uk) further has a principle affirming that the
correct understanding of the expression of Infinite Intelligence through Nature and a life lived
in accordance therewith constitutes true religion. Another principle states that individuals have
a moral responsibility and that happiness or unhappiness depend on the individual’s obedience
or disobedience to Nature’s physical and spiritual laws. This expectation of adherence to the
laws from a Higher Power is another of the criteria given by Anthony and Robbins for a
movement to be classified as Dualistic.
b) Wallis
Spiritualism resorts under the typology “world-affirming movement”. The purpose of
Spiritualism is in line with Wallis’s criteria for world-affirming movements, such as an
acceptance of society and of mainstream values, a focus on helping followers to achieve life
1
The benefits of buying summaries with Stuvia:
Guaranteed quality through customer reviews
Stuvia customers have reviewed more than 700,000 summaries. This how you know that you are buying the best documents.
Quick and easy check-out
You can quickly pay through credit card or Stuvia-credit for the summaries. There is no membership needed.
Focus on what matters
Your fellow students write the study notes themselves, which is why the documents are always reliable and up-to-date. This ensures you quickly get to the core!
Frequently asked questions
What do I get when I buy this document?
You get a PDF, available immediately after your purchase. The purchased document is accessible anytime, anywhere and indefinitely through your profile.
Satisfaction guarantee: how does it work?
Our satisfaction guarantee ensures that you always find a study document that suits you well. You fill out a form, and our customer service team takes care of the rest.
Who am I buying these notes from?
Stuvia is a marketplace, so you are not buying this document from us, but from seller liezlstodart. Stuvia facilitates payment to the seller.
Will I be stuck with a subscription?
No, you only buy these notes for $2.84. You're not tied to anything after your purchase.
