Rowan Ireland, Lyn Baker

New Forms of Religious Life and Civil Society in Australia: Fragmentation or Enrichment?

Introduction

New forms of religious life and civil society in australia: fragmentation or enrichment?. New religious movements in Australia: fragmentation or enrichment of civil society? This study analyzes Mahikari & Ananda Marga's role in fostering civic engagement and community enrichment.

Abstract

Acts of religiously inspired terrorism have revived fears about the fragmentation of civil society as religious diversity increases in Europe, the USA and Australia. This article proposes criteria for distinguishing between types of religious associations which fragment civil society, thus confirming fears, and those that enrich it. In an exploratory study of six New Religious Movements (NRMs), two were considered closest to the type that enriches civil society. These two, Mahikari and Ananda Marga, are described and ways in which they contribute the enrichment of civil society are explored. Despite differences, the NRMs are found to enrich civil society not only as associations relating to other elements of local civil society, but also through the orientations and dispositions towards civic engagement they foster among members.

Review

The article, "New Forms of Religious Life and Civil Society in Australia: Fragmentation or Enrichment?", addresses a highly timely and pertinent concern regarding the impact of religious diversity on civil society, especially in light of contemporary fears surrounding religiously inspired terrorism. The paper sets out a crucial task: to establish clear criteria for distinguishing between religious associations that contribute to the fragmentation of civil society and those that actively enrich it. This theoretical groundwork is essential for moving beyond simplistic narratives and fostering a more nuanced understanding of the evolving religious landscape in countries like Australia. The research proceeds with an exploratory study of six New Religious Movements (NRMs), from which two – Mahikari and Ananda Marga – are identified as exemplars of groups that enrich civil society. The abstract promises a detailed examination of these two movements, exploring the specific ways they contribute to societal enrichment. Importantly, the findings suggest that the positive contributions of NRMs extend beyond their roles as mere associations interacting with other elements of local civil society, also encompassing the fostering of pro-social orientations and dispositions towards civic engagement among their members. This work appears to offer a valuable contribution to the sociology of religion and civil society discourse by providing both a conceptual framework and empirical evidence from a specific, often overlooked, context. By focusing on particular NRMs and identifying the mechanisms through which they integrate and contribute positively, the article challenges prevailing anxieties and promotes a more balanced perspective on religious diversity. The development of explicit criteria for evaluation is a notable strength, offering a useful tool for future analyses of religious groups and their impact on the broader social fabric.

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