ABSTRACT
One of the most commonly heard criticisms of the new religions is that they are only concerned with benefits of this world rather than spiritual salvation or the truths of a higher, transcendent reality beyond the earthly realm. Such a dichotomy implies other polarized symbolic notions. Indeed, many accuse these organizations of being concerned with magic rather than genuine religion. Though some new religions give little attention to a primary religious being, others do. Often, the Original Life is monotheistic and transcendent. However, in other groups it is immanent, pantheistic, and omnipresent, providing an eternal and undying life force. Each new religion offers members a particular package of practices, doctrines, and norms. Most new religions got their start from the organizational skills and charisma of a founder who can commune, in shamanistic fashion, with the divine. Often, the religion is centered on a strong leader who is regarded as semi-divine or a deity incarnate.
