New Religions 2023

Abstract

This course introduces students to a number of new religions and forms of alternative spirituality. It equips students with an analytical toolkit for the study of these phenomena. The course is divided into two parts. In the first (and largest) part we look at institutionalised new religions (or ‘cults’) such as Scientology, Wicca (modern Witchcraft), and the Unification Church (Moon movement). In the second part we look at alternative spirituality (or New Age), including modern belief in healing, angels, and mindfulness. The new religions and alternative spiritualities in the course are approached from two perspectives: From a comparative study-of-religion perspective we analyse, compare, and classify the beliefs and practices of the various new religions and alternative spiritualities, enquire into how the movements legitimise themselves, and seek to locate them within the history of religion. From a sociological perspective we look at the social profile of those who join, compare the formal institutions and charismatic leaders of new religions with the loose organisation of the new age milieu, and consider phenomena such as conversion and spiritual seeking. The course includes an excursion to the Scientology Church in Amsterdam and an evening symposium on conspiracy theories and new religions.