Synopsis
The religious landscape in the Western world today is unrecognizable from that of a century ago. Factors such as increased travel and the widespread use of communication technology have led to the creation of pluralistic societies, in which fewer people are able to avoid learning about other cultures and religious communities. Not only are people more tolerant than they used to be of the religious beliefs of others, but in some cases, they adopt these beliefs in preference to those that are dominant in their own culture. In the West, while Christianity has gone into decline, other religions, including smaller movements such as the Jehovah's Witnesses, the Mormons and many alternative spiritualities such as Paganism, are experiencing growth. This encyclopedia gives readers a comprehensive map of the significant religious and spiritual groups functioning in today's world, especially in the West. The new religions, sects and alternative spiritualities are categorized according to the religious traditions from which they spring.
Each section begins with an overview of the parent religion, and then the new religions, sects and alternative spiritualities are described in chronological order. There are also a number of feature articles throughout the book, which deal with groups of new religions, key themes surrounding new religious movements and particular practice beliefs and practices popular in contemporary new religion.
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