Example of new religious movement

Here are some examples of new religious movements (NRMs) that have emerged in recent decades:

  1. Raëlism (1960s): A UFO-based religion founded by Claude Vorilhon, who claims to have had contact with extraterrestrial beings. Raëlism emphasizes the importance of science, technology, and human evolution.
  2. The Church of Scientology (1950s): Founded by L. Ron Hubbard, this movement combines elements of science fiction, mysticism, and self-help. It emphasizes the concept of "thetans" (spiritual beings) and the importance of auditing (a form of counseling).
  3. The Hare Krishna Movement (1960s): A Hindu-based movement founded by A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada. It emphasizes devotion to the god Krishna and the importance of chanting the Hare Krishna mantra.
  4. The Unification Church (1950s): Founded by Sun Myung Moon, this movement emphasizes the importance of family, marriage, and the reunification of Christianity and other religions. It is also known for its mass weddings and business ventures.
  5. The Nation of Islam (1930s): Founded by Wallace Fard Muhammad, this movement emphasizes the importance of African American identity, self-reliance, and social justice. It has been criticized for its anti-white and anti-Semitic views.
  6. The Branch Davidians (1950s): A Christian-based movement founded by Victor Houteff, which emphasizes the importance of biblical prophecy and the end times. The movement gained notoriety in the 1990s due to a standoff with the US government at its compound in Waco, Texas.
  7. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormons) (1830s): While not strictly a new religious movement, the Mormons have undergone significant changes and developments in recent decades, including the ordination of women and the acceptance of same-sex couples.
  8. The International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) (1960s): A Hindu-based movement founded by A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, which emphasizes devotion to the god Krishna and the importance of chanting the Hare Krishna mantra.
  9. The Baha'i Faith (1840s): While not strictly a new religious movement, the Baha'i Faith has undergone significant growth and development in recent decades, including the recognition of its international headquarters by the United Nations.
  10. The Rastafarian Movement (1930s): A Jamaican-based movement that emphasizes the importance of African identity, social justice, and the return of African people to their ancestral homeland.

These are just a few examples of the many new religious movements that have emerged in recent decades. NRMs often reflect the cultural, social, and economic changes of their time, and they can provide a sense of community, purpose, and meaning for their adherents.