The religious supermarket: Local New Age centers in the global network

Journal/Book: Soc Compass. 1999; 46: 6 Bonhill Street, London EC2a 4Pu, England. Sage Publications Ltd. 173-179.

Abstract: How does a new religious movement such as New Age or Neo-paganism differ from the religious consumer supermarket characteristic of pick-and-choose spirituality in late modernity/early postmodernity? This paper focuses on Gerlach and Hine's developmental SPIN model - the segmented-polycentric-integrated-network - originally conceived as a means of dissenting survival in a hostile environment. Besides established centres for New Age from which key ideas are disseminated, local scenes throughout the western world become sacralized as well (for example, Bath and Glastonbury in England or Naples, Florida). Linking the religious dimension to territorial belonging, these emergent local centres serve their respective geographic areas as focalizing magnets for the spiritual shopper with the cry, ''It is happening here!'' As the millennium draws to a close and the year 2012 or a similarly awaited date approaches, what is the interplay fr om a New Age perspective between the local community and the global movement?.

Note: Article York M, Bath Spa Univ Coll, Dept Study Relig, Bath Arch Contemporary Religious Affairs, Newton Pk, Bath BA2 9BN, Avon, ENGLAND

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