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- University Of South Africa (Unisa)
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J MARAIS 62138014 RST2603ASSIGNMENT 04 – 08 AUGUST 2019
Four approaches to data-gathering in the study of NRMs
Wallis (1984) distinguishes between four approaches to NRM research. See below my opinion on which
type if data-gathering would be appropriate to my chosen NRM groups.
Church of Satan
Non-hostile internal studies
Studies in this category involve being a participant in the group, over a considerable period as a
participating observer, to interview leaders and members. This part could be difficult as being in South
Africa, the Church of Satan does not have a very large following, however it is not impossible, connections
can be made easily through groups on social media. You can start to attend the Church of Satan mass and
experience their ways, spending time with its members and asking necessary questions to the leaders of
the Church of Satan. Studying the writings of the Church of Satan that being the Nine Satanic Statements,
Eleven Satanic Rules of the Earth, Nine Satanic Sins, and Pentagonal Revisionism. To Avoid being only
seeing a church from a favourable light, interviews and meetings should also take place from people whom
have left the Church of Satan to ensure that your perception is nonbiased.
The Peoples Temple
Non-hostile external studies
To gather data about the Peoples Temple, one will have to partake in Non-hostile external studies, as the
NRM ceased its operations in 1978, thus methods in the form of questionnaires and psychological tests will
have to be used to gather necessary data. When participating in Non-hostile external studies, one must
take into account the content and intensity of the faith of the NRM member/s. One must ensure that the
scientific methods do not just reflect nothing of the believer’s deepest experiences but a record of
experience of the member/s .
Paganism
Non-hostile internal studies
Due to ever everchanging evolution of Paganism, one would probably have the best data gathering
experience if one connected with the more modern studies which beliefs and practices may vary among
different Pagan groups; however, there are a series of core principles common to most, if not all, forms of
modern paganism for example Polytheism. Paganism once again is not widely followed in South Africa, but
there are still members whom are decedents of the original believers and still practice faithfully. This will
allow a researcher to be involved in the group as a participating observer and still interview leaders and get
to know the members. Another key aspect of Non-hostile internal studies is studying the writings that are
important to the group. However, most pagans are holistic, and their concept of a universe is that they are
connected in belief. Pagans commonly do not have a clear sacred text. Pagans do however have an
appreciation for mythology, myths and folklore, thus the ‘anthologies of myths and legends’ are important
texts for many members. Some of these texts could include, Irish Book of Invasions or the writings of
Hesiod.
I JAYDENE MARAIS declare that this is my own, original work and that where I used other information and resources, I
did so in a responsible manner. I did not plagiarise in any way and have referenced and acknowledged any resources that I
consulted and used to complete this portfolio according to the requirements of the Harvard style of referencing. I acknowledge
that I am aware of what plagiarism is, and the consequences thereof. Furthermore, I acknowledge that I am aware of UNISA’s
policy on plagiarism and understand that if there is evidence of plagiarism within this document, UNISA will take action.
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