New Religious Movements and Science

This Element introduces its readers to the fact that new religious movements (henceforth NRMs) include varied and complex conceptualizations of science in their beliefs. It also introduces readers to scholars’ conversations concerning this fact. Section 1 elaborates on five NRMs that, in different ways, include significant reference to science in their respective teachings. These movements are Scientology (which includes the doctrine and practice called Dianetics), the Raëlians, Falun Gong, Stella Azzurra (a Santo Daime group), and the Satanist organization Bambini di Satana.