Generally scholars use “new religious movements,” Benjamin, but then we tie ourselves in knots talking about why that’s not really an accurate way of discussing these movements — in large part bc what’s new? How long does a group have to be around to not be new anymore? And if it’s about time, why do we still refer to the Shakers as an NRM but not the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (which is newer than the Shakers)?

I uploaded a slideshow for last time that goes over some of the basics, if you’re interested in learning more about NRMs in general.

I use “American minority religions” in my work; Dr. Weisenfeld wants to focus in on the co-constitutive nature of race & religion, so she uses “religio-racial identity.” In this class, we’re focusing on the minoritization piece of so-called NRMs, rather than the novelty.