New Religious Movements and Science

Description

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. 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