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.

Edited by David W. Kim - Foreword by Eileen Barker - Contributions by David W. Kim; Lauren Dover; Cathar...

Foreword by Eileen Barker

Acknowledgments

List of Figures

Introduction

David W. Kim

Part One: West, South, and Southeast Asia

Catharine Dada

Fabio Scialpi

Lionel Obadia

Christopher Hartney

Part Two: East Asia

Nikolas Broy

David W. Kim

Emma Leverton

Petra Tlcimuková

Jiro Sawai

Leonardo Sacco

About the Editor and Contributors