Abstract
This study is an examination of the factors which influence religious success, with a focus on religious members. I use two UFO Religions, Heaven’s Gate and the Raëlian Movement, as case studies to explore how the formation of religious identity in individuals contributes to the success of religious movements. Through looking at social influences, theological concepts, and the socialization which occurs within religious movements, I will illustrate the importance of individual members of NRMs to the growth of their religious movement. I use a largely theoretical approach in analyzing the religious movements I am focusing on. The purpose of this project is to further examine the rarely-explored concept of religious success, and to search for previously unconsidered influences to the growth and development of NRMs.
Advisor
Crothers, Lisa
Department
Religious Studies
Recommended Citation
Liang, Celetia, "Space Oddity: An Exploration of Religious Success in Emergent UFO Religions" (2014). Senior Independent Study Theses. Paper 5987.
https://openworks.wooster.edu/independentstudy/5987
Disciplines
New Religious Movements
Keywords
ufo religions, new religious movements
Publication Date
2014
Degree Granted
Bachelor of Arts
Document Type
Senior Independent Study Thesis
© Copyright 2014 Celetia Liang