why are new religious movements important?

Answer 1

which ones are you referring to?
There are currently two trends as regards religion.
1. Is the trend to make religion more worldly, in the attempt to pander to the masses.
2. The other is, to strip away the false doctrines and traditions grafted onto religion through the centuries, to get to the original intent of the religion.

Most traditional religions( particularly Christian) are adopting the modern 'praise worship' format, in the desperate attempt to stop the hemorrhaging of members. Also, they are continually trying to rethink their firm stand on issues of sexuality by reason of not wanting to offend those whom their Bible condemns by reason of their Bible condemned sexuality.

Answer 2

Religion, to me, is fluid like language. It reflects not only the ideas of a time, but the geography and culture as well.
As our consciousness evolves and our world view changes, I think it's important for some aspects to change. The ultimate Truth of Spirit is changeless... however, our reflections upon the Divine and our relative human perspective are constatnly changing. So, why shouldn't our religions adapt as well? Either it takes form as a reformation, or a new movent.
Take for example the dawning of the industrial/scientific age here in the states. It was then met with the birth of the New Thought movement. Scientific, precise, reflections on prayer healing, God.
New movements allow for new thinking.

Answer 3

Older religious movements often harden into a religious formula. God can't use them as much. Because their old bottles can't receive the new wine. That's what Jesus said!
So God has to raise up new movements. That will move with His Spirit.
While the old, are hardened into a mold, of repetitive actions. That don't get anything done, for God's Kingdom.

Answer 4

Any spiritual movement must constantly re-interpret itself and re-evaluate its belief system, or it stagnates and becomes corrupt. New religious movements are the actualization of these changes.
Granted, 99% of all new religious movements are crap. But then again, according to Sturgeon's law, 99% of everything is crap.

Answer 5

I think there are pros and cons with this ok so pros new idea for new generations. cons rediculous religions and ideals that someone thought was a good idea at the time like scientology, cons rejecting what religions have gone before and that people were happy with. cons riot associated with the new beliefs and all our wars. cons potential cults developing and recruitments.

Answer 6

They challenge the authority of ancient religions that are accustom to always getting their way and everyone supporting them.

Answer 7

whats important is getting rid of the old ones..

Answer 8

It's better then constipation.

Answer 9

Didn't know they were.

Answer 10

they are?