DEFINĒJOT JAUNO GARĪGUMU
Defining the New Spirituality.

Summary/Abstract: The article of George D. Chryssides, University of Wolverhampton professor is based on the paper presented at CESNUR 14th International Conference, Riga, Latvia, August, 29-31, 2000. In the article the author substantiates, why it is necessary to return to the seemingly banal question: What is a new religious movement? The author demonstrates already existing definitions of the NRM and explaining the question: What is religion ? points at 4 minimal conditions in order an organization, an ideology or worldview could be regarded as religious: "(1) Answers to life's ultimate and fundamental questions, such as 'Why I am here?', 'What happens after I die?", 'Is there a God or supernatural force that created and sustains the universe?' (2) Rites of passage for making key events in one's life, in context of above answers. (3) Techniques and strategies for coping with life. This must mean life as a whole, and not simply parts of life, such as personal efficiency, or ability to succeed in one's work. (4) Some kind of guide to life in the form of a code of ethics. (This may be formally set out, as in the Jewish-Christian Ten Commandments, or the Buddhist precepts, or it may be implicit.) Analyzing the term religious movements the author comes to conclusion that it is impossible to define univocally, which organizations and which spiritual movements should be or shouldn't be regarded as NRM.

• Details
• Contents