The writer of the biblical book of Ecclesiastes says, “There is nothing new under the sun.” Many believe that, for the most part, New Religious Movements (NRMs) are just rehashes of old religions.
Main discussion questions for the week: (Please Note: this is not about church…this is about religions. You should know the difference by now)
Given the religions we have covered this quarter and the definitions and functions of religion in Chapter 1, answer all of the following:
- Are NRMs just rehashes of old religions or are they old religions with a new twist? Provide an example and explain.
- Or, are NRMs legitimate religions that, according to Chapter 1, fulfill spiritual needs for a new generation and new times? What are these needs? What changes in our world are they reacting to?
- Finally, in your informed opinion, have the old religions let us down? Are they obsolete?
