This Element introduces its readers to the fact that new religious movements (henceforth NRMs) include varied and complex conceptualizations of science in their beliefs. It also introduces readers to scholars’ conversations concerning this fact. Section 1 elaborates on five NRMs that, in different ways, include significant reference to science in their respective teachings. These movements are Scientology (which includes the doctrine and practice called Dianetics), the Raëlians, Falun Gong, Stella Azzurra (a Santo Daime group), and the Satanist organization Bambini di Satana.
Author(s): Stefano Bigliardi
Series: Elements in New Religious Movements
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Year: 2023
Language: English
Pages: 74
Cover
Title page
Copyright page
New Religious Movements and Science
Contents
Introduction
1 Five Case Studies
Dianetics, Scientology, and Science: Commentary
The Raëlian Movement: History and Beliefs
The Raëlian Movement and Science: Commentary
Falun Gong: History and Beliefs
Falun Gong, Science and Technology: Commentary
Santo Daime/Stella Azzurra: History and Beliefs
Stella Azzurra and Science: Commentary
Bambini di Satana: History and Beliefs
Bambini di Satana and Science: Commentary
2 The Scholarly Conversation on New Religious Movements and Science: Historical Studies and Models
Hanegraaff: The New Age and Its
“High Regard for Modern Science”
Hammer: Scientism and Science as “Significant Other”
Rothstein: Religion–Science Syncretism and Science
as Cognitive Counterweight
Zeller: Three Case Studies, a Threefold
Typology, and Two Predictors
Lewis: Religion’s Appeal to the Authority of Science – Seven
Strategies Used by New Religions
Von Stuckrad: The Scientification of Religion
3 Engaging with New Religious Movements and Science: Ways Ahead
References
Acknowledgments
