Sociology Plus
World Rejecting NRM Definition
The World Rejecting New Religious Movement (NRM) refers to a category of religious movements characterised by an orientation toward the wider society that involves rejecting most of what mainstream society upholds. These movements are understood within sociological classifications, such as Roy Wallis’ typology, and share a fundamental characteristic of challenging prevailing social and spiritual norms.
Key Characteristics
World Rejecting NRMs typically exhibit several defining features. Their religious ideology is generally highly critical of mainstream society and often critiques established religions within that society. Members usually demand a high level of commitment, frequently expecting adherents to withdraw from conventional society and dedicate their lives entirely to the movement. Some groups operate as ‘total institutions’, exerting tight control over all aspects of members’ lives, although those in leadership positions often maintain greater interaction with the external world. A primary objective for these movements is often the pursuit of radical individual transformation or significant social change. These movements are typically founded by a charismatic leader, and membership demands unwavering loyalty to that figure. Furthermore, many World Rejecting NRMs hold conservative religious beliefs, particularly concerning issues such as sex and marriage.
Theological and Social Critique
The worldview of these movements involves a profound rejection of the current social order, which they perceive as having deviated from divine prescriptions or plans. They view modern industrial society and its values—particularly the pursuit of wealth or consumption—as polluted, characterised by conflict, greed, insincerity, and despair. Consequently, World Rejecting Movements advocate for a return to a more rural lifestyle and a reorientation of secular life towards spiritual values.
Cosmic and Political Aspirations
The rejection of the worldly order extends into political philosophy. These movements often deny the conventional separation between the religious and the political, seeking to restore the secular realm to its original religious character. This stems from a conception of mundane events as part of a larger cosmic struggle between God and evil, truth and illusion. They anticipate an imminent new world order or a sweeping transformation, believing that when sufficient members are gathered or when leaders guide global figures, a simpler, more humane, and spiritual utopia will be achieved. This link between religious and political aims means that the rejection of the world necessarily involves the rejection of secular institutions.
Examples
Examples of World Rejecting NRMs include The People’s Temple, the Manson Family, and Krishna Consciousness. Other notable examples include the Children of God, which developed from American fundamentalism adapted to the counter-cultural youth revolt, and the Unification Church (Moonies), which synthesised fundamentalism with Asian religious concepts. These movements demonstrate a range in scale, from small, localised organisations like The People’s Temple to global entities such as the Moonies.