Minority Religions and Uncertainty

Religions are about creating certainty, but uncertainty and insecurity can lead to great change in the mission and teachings of religious groups. This book explores the uncertainty faced by new and minority religious movements and non-religious fringe groups, spanning a range of religious traditions and contexts. It will be of interest to scholars of minority religious movements and non-religious fringe groups.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 240 pages
Publication date: 13 June 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Religions, at their essence, strive to establish a sense of certainty in their followers. However, what transpires when these groups lose control over their destiny? The outcomes can range from violent conflicts to peaceful innovations, as observed in minority religions that undergo transformation after the passing of their founders or leaders. Uncertainty and insecurity can provoke significant shifts in the mission and teachings of religious groups. This book brings together a diverse array of contributors from around the world to examine the uncertainty faced by emerging and minority religious movements, as well as non-religious fringe groups.

The book encompasses a wide range of religious traditions, including Christianity, Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam, as well as older and newer spiritual formations such as esotericism, New Age, and organized new religious movements. Additionally, it includes non-religious movements like the straight edge movement and the British Union of Fascists. The chapters explore various contexts, from the United Kingdom and the United States to Japan and Egypt, with some discussing global movements. While all the authors address twentieth- and twenty-first-century movements and issues, several focus specifically on historical cases or changes over time.

This comprehensive and cohesive volume holds immense interest for scholars engaged in the study of minority religious movements and non-religious fringe groups across religious studies, sociology, and social psychology. It offers valuable insights into the complex dynamics and challenges faced by these groups, shedding light on their historical trajectories, organizational structures, and impact on society.

Weight: 440g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032336251