The book explores the emergence and establishment of Japanese new religious movements globally since the 1960s, coinciding with Japan's economic expansion. It delves into the characteristics and reach of these movements beyond Japan, providing insights into their impact and significance in various cultural contexts.
Focusing on the rapid growth of new religious movements worldwide, this book offers a comprehensive overview of diverse groups such as Falun Gong, Soka Gakkai, and Rastafarianism across various continents. Peter Clarke examines their cultural significance and global impact within the context of ongoing religious change. He delves into how these movements are defined, ranging from entirely new faiths to modern interpretations of established religions like Islam and Christianity, highlighting the complexity of contemporary spirituality.
This comprehensive bibliography features around 1500 entries, offering detailed insights into various New Religious Movements (NRMs). It includes a sub-section that profiles key NRMs, covering their history, beliefs, practices, major publications, global branches, and membership details. This resource is designed to serve scholars and enthusiasts interested in the diverse landscape of contemporary religious movements.