Analyse two ways in which characteristics of churches are different from
those of NAMs:
One way in which the characteristic of churches and New Age movements
are different is that ‘churches are generally seen as traditional and
conservative in their beliefs’, whereas NAMs beliefs and philosophies are
drawn from across the globe, particularly from Eastern cultures. A church
claims a monopoly over the truth, having strong Western traditional views
that are intensely imposed over its members. There also being a strong
culture that encourages members to adhere to the standards imposes by
these values and beliefs, individuals who go against these commonly
being frowned upon and often excluded. This procedure often seen within
the practices of the Church of England, whereas NAMs centre around a
global cafeteria that allows for individuals to pick and choose the religious
practices and movements they choose to devote themselves to. The
Human Potential Movement, for example, practicing the acquiring success
in earth rewards.
Another way in which the characteristics of churches and New Age
movements differ is that churches ‘tend to have a strict hierarchy of
power’, whereas New Age movements are individual pursuits, where the
self is the authority. Churches are often connected closely to the state,
having a bureaucratic structure that is implemented for purpose of leading
believers in a particular direction. This being as churches impose their
practice of religious in an authoritative manner, expecting priests to
impose the teaching of religion onto the community through readings of
the bible, leaving little room for interpretation. Whereas NAMs ideologies
and practices are drawn from Eastern cultures, of which are commonly
less traditional and allow an individual greater autonomy over their
practice and commitment to their belief system.
those of NAMs:
One way in which the characteristic of churches and New Age movements
are different is that ‘churches are generally seen as traditional and
conservative in their beliefs’, whereas NAMs beliefs and philosophies are
drawn from across the globe, particularly from Eastern cultures. A church
claims a monopoly over the truth, having strong Western traditional views
that are intensely imposed over its members. There also being a strong
culture that encourages members to adhere to the standards imposes by
these values and beliefs, individuals who go against these commonly
being frowned upon and often excluded. This procedure often seen within
the practices of the Church of England, whereas NAMs centre around a
global cafeteria that allows for individuals to pick and choose the religious
practices and movements they choose to devote themselves to. The
Human Potential Movement, for example, practicing the acquiring success
in earth rewards.
Another way in which the characteristics of churches and New Age
movements differ is that churches ‘tend to have a strict hierarchy of
power’, whereas New Age movements are individual pursuits, where the
self is the authority. Churches are often connected closely to the state,
having a bureaucratic structure that is implemented for purpose of leading
believers in a particular direction. This being as churches impose their
practice of religious in an authoritative manner, expecting priests to
impose the teaching of religion onto the community through readings of
the bible, leaving little room for interpretation. Whereas NAMs ideologies
and practices are drawn from Eastern cultures, of which are commonly
less traditional and allow an individual greater autonomy over their
practice and commitment to their belief system.
