New Religious Movement Paper

Since the 1960s in the United States, we have seen a proliferation of new religious movements (NRMs). These groups are often syncretic, blending elements from older religions together; sometimes this is also coupled with pseudo-science.  At first these NRMs can seem rather unbelievable to outsiders, but once deconstructed we often see a new way of grouping beliefs which are generally not uncommon.  Choose any NRM and deconstruct the beliefs and practices and try to connect it with older, more mainstream religions. Also, discuss why you think people are attracted to the religion. What do NRMs have that more traditional religions seem to lack?

• Paper: due Monday, November 19.
• Presentation (submit in Discussions): due Wednesday, December 5, 9:00PM
• There will be one paper analyzing a New Religious Movement (NRM) with an accompanying presentation. The paper will be at least 1500 words double-spaced, Times New Roman 12 font. This is a formal academic essay and students must cite their sources. MLA is the preferred citation style in Religious Studies.
  
  
• Each person will complete an individual paper and a presentation, which will either be a PowerPoint, Prezi, or a video presentation. These presentations will be shared with the class through the discussion board. Students are expected to review their classmates' presentations and the final quiz #10 will be based on the presentations.