New Religions As Global Cultures

Although the Great Anti-Cult Crusade links new religious movements to dangerous cults brainwashing and the need for deprogramming Karla Poewe and Irving Hexham argue that many cults are the product of a dynamic interaction between folk religions and the teachings of traditional world religions. Drawing on examples from Africa the United States Asia and Europe they suggest that few new religions are really new. Most draw on rich if localized cultural traditions that are shaped anew by the influence of technological change and international linkages. With the widespread loss of belief in biblical mythology in the nineteenth century new mythologies based on science and elements derived from various non-Western religious traditions emerged leading to the growth and popularity of new religions and cults.