New Religious Movements in Modern Asian History: Sociocultural Alternatives

This book explores how Asian new religious movements (NRMs) emerged as a response to anti-colonial ideology, offering alternative principles and attracting local people to change their beliefs. The contributors argue that NRMs were ardent and progressive in transmitting their ideologies, replacing old, traditional religions from domestic and international dimensions.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 306 pages
Publication date: 15 May 2022
Publisher: Lexington Books

This book provides compelling evidence that the emergence of Asian new religious movements (NRMs) was primarily driven by anti-colonial ideologies originating from local religious groups or individuals. The contributors argue that when traditional religions struggled to preserve their cultural heritage, the leadership of NRMs introduced alternative principles, and the unique teachings of each NRM resonated with the local population, leading to a significant shift in their beliefs. The contributors further assert that, taken as a whole, the Asian NRMs exhibited a remarkable fervor and progressive nature in disseminating their new ideologies. The diverse perspectives presented in this volume highlight the ongoing evolution of Asian NRMs, driven by both domestic and international factors, as they replace outdated traditional religions.

Introduction:
The study of new religious movements (NRMs) has gained significant attention in recent years, as they have emerged as a prominent feature of global religious landscape. NRMs are characterized by their departure from established religious traditions and their adoption of novel beliefs, practices, and rituals. In Asia, the emergence of Asian NRMs has been particularly noteworthy, as they have responded to various social, political, and economic challenges faced by the region.

Anti-Colonial Ideology:
One of the primary drivers of the emergence of Asian NRMs is the anti-colonial ideology that emerged in the aftermath of World War II. Many Asian countries were colonized by Western powers, and the colonial experience left deep scars on the local populations. The anti-colonial movement sought to reclaim the cultural and political sovereignty of these countries and to challenge the dominance of Western ideologies.

Local Religious Groups:
Local religious groups played a significant role in the emergence of Asian NRMs. These groups were often marginalized or oppressed by the dominant religious traditions in their respective countries. They sought to establish alternative religious practices and beliefs that were more in line with their cultural and historical heritage.

Alternative Principles:
As local religious groups struggled to maintain their cultural heritage, they introduced alternative principles that were more in tune with the needs and aspirations of the local population. These principles often emphasized the importance of community, social justice, and spiritual fulfillment.

New Teachings:
The new teachings of each NRM attracted the local people enough for them to change their beliefs. These teachings often challenged the traditional religious doctrines and values, offering a fresh perspective on spirituality and the purpose of life.

Progressive Nature:
The Asian NRMs were very ardent and progressive in transmitting their new ideologies. They used various means, such as social media, mass gatherings, and educational programs, to spread their message and attract followers.

Domestic and International Dimensions:
The development of Asian NRMs was not limited to domestic factors. They also drew inspiration from international NRMs and religious movements. This exchange of ideas and experiences helped to shape the development of Asian NRMs and contributed to their progressive nature.

Replacing Traditional Religions:
The varied viewpoints in this volume attest to the consistent development of Asian NRMs from domestic and international dimensions by replacing old, traditional religions. The emergence of Asian NRMs has had a significant impact on the religious landscape of the region, offering new avenues for spiritual fulfillment and social change.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, this book provides compelling evidence that the emergence of Asian NRMs was predominantly driven by anti-colonial ideology from local religious groups or individuals. The contributions of the contributors highlight the significant role that local religious groups played in shaping the development of Asian NRMs and the progressive nature of their transmission of new ideologies. The study of Asian NRMs continues to be an important area of research, as they offer valuable insights into the complex dynamics of religion and society in the region.

Weight: 236g
Dimension: 219 x 154 x 10 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781793634047