REL 101 REL 101 Introduction to ReligionIntroduction to Religion

New Religious MovementsNew Religious MovementsOrOr

Cults and SectsCults and SectsPart IIPart II

The Unification Church (Moonies)The Unification Church (Moonies)

Founded by Sung Myung Founded by Sung Myung Moon in 1954 in Seoul, KoreaMoon in 1954 in Seoul, Korea

Claimed a direct revelation Claimed a direct revelation from God directing him to from God directing him to continue the work that Jesus continue the work that Jesus failed to completefailed to complete

Believes communication with Believes communication with the spirits of deadthe spirits of dead

Well known for its mass Well known for its mass marriage ceremoniesmarriage ceremonies

Openly uses its operations for Openly uses its operations for the acquisition of wealththe acquisition of wealth

Church of ScientologyChurch of Scientology Founded by L. Ron Hubbard in Founded by L. Ron Hubbard in

1953.1953. The individual is not a body but The individual is not a body but

a spirit (thetan)a spirit (thetan) Hubbard teaches Hubbard teaches

“Exteriorization” which is the “Exteriorization” which is the ability of the thetan to leave ability of the thetan to leave the body and exist the body and exist independent of the flesh.independent of the flesh.

With the act of exteriorization, With the act of exteriorization, the individual gains the the individual gains the certainty that he is himself, an certainty that he is himself, an immortal spiritual being, and immortal spiritual being, and not a body.not a body.

Church of ScientologyChurch of Scientology

Branch DavidianBranch Davidian

An offshoot of the An offshoot of the Seventh Day Seventh Day Adventist church.Adventist church.

Apocalyptic in nature.Apocalyptic in nature. Made famous by Made famous by

David Koresh and the David Koresh and the commune at Waco commune at Waco Texas (1993).Texas (1993).

Resulted in the death Resulted in the death of 76 people.of 76 people.

The People’s TempleThe People’s Temple

Founded by Jim Jones in Founded by Jim Jones in 1955.1955.

Espoused communism Espoused communism and communal living.and communal living.

Apocalyptic in nature.Apocalyptic in nature. In response to resistance In response to resistance

in the U.S. Jones founded in the U.S. Jones founded the Jonestown Commune the Jonestown Commune in Guyana.in Guyana.

Ended in the mass Ended in the mass suicide of 917 members.suicide of 917 members.

SummarySummary

New Religious MovementsNew Religious Movements Covers a wide range of religious movements.Covers a wide range of religious movements. Usually rely on a unique revelation given to an Usually rely on a unique revelation given to an

individual.individual. Often develops in reaction to perceived Often develops in reaction to perceived

inadequacies of established religions. inadequacies of established religions. Generally incorporates terms, rituals, and Generally incorporates terms, rituals, and

themes from established religions in order to themes from established religions in order to establish legitimacy.establish legitimacy.

ActivityActivity

With your group develop your own “New With your group develop your own “New Religious Movement”.Religious Movement”.

Incorporate the object you have received.Incorporate the object you have received. Explain:Explain:

Something about the unique revelation and/or the Something about the unique revelation and/or the founder of the movement.founder of the movement.

What aspects of established religion it has What aspects of established religion it has appropriated (The established religion can be appropriated (The established religion can be something other than Christianity).something other than Christianity).

The societal or religious conditions that contributed to The societal or religious conditions that contributed to its growth.its growth.