New Religious Movements in Modern Asian History: Sociocultural Alternatives (Ethnographies of Religion)

This book provides evidence that the emergence of Asian new religious movements (NRMs) was predominantly the result of anti-colonial ideology from local religious groups or individuals. The contributors argue that when traditional religions were powerless to maintain their cultural heritage, the leadership of NRMs adduced alternative principles, and the new teachings of each NRM attracted the local people enough for them to change their beliefs. The contributors argue that, as a whole, the Asian new religious movements overall were very ardent and progressive in transmitting their new ideologies. The varied viewpoints in this volume attest to the consistent development of Asian NRMs from domestic and international dimensions by replacing old, traditional religions.

David W. Kim is associate professor of Asian history, College of General Education, Kookmin University, Seoul and visiting fellow at the School of History, Australian National University, Canberra.