ABSTRACT
Recent developments in contemporary religion have thrown existing categories of New Religious Movements (NRMs) into question. This is particularly so with the growth of the so-called New Age movement which provides a rich variety of cultural phenomena and exemplifies the cultist milieu of fringe religion. The various interrelated strands which constitute the movement display a profoundly eclectic and syncretic pattern of beliefs and practices. The New Age movement is also indicative of the long-term demise of religion in its collective-expressive form. Of all the 'alternatives' it is perhaps the expression of religion that is most suited to the contemporary age. It also increasingly appears to have practical application, including the employment of its techniques in management training – advancing those which are mood-altering, induce behavioural change, and bring about the alleged spiritual development of human resources. In responding to the needs of individuals in the spiritual marketplace it brings together a bricolage of beliefs and practices from different sources.
