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Re: Revitalization Movements (NRMs)
JAMES BENTHALL (st26h@elroy.uh.edu)
31 Aug 1995 16:04 CDT
In article <424p4m$gdv@crcnis3.unl.edu>, wpoe@unlgrad1.unl.edu (william a poe) writes...
>Using Anthony F.C. Wallace's guideposts to the characteristics of
>Revitalization Movements, I researched the Korean origins of the
>Unification Church (Tong-il Kyohe) and found that it arose, along with
>many other messianic movements after WWII, at a time when Korean
>culture had been nearly destroyed by Japanese occupation and the
>overall breakdown of the oriental confucian system of relations
>between Asian nations.
>
>Unlike Pentecostalism, which has it's origins in the West and is
>distinctly Christian, Tong-il Kyohe was originally more a rebirth of
>shamanism and confucian philosophy, with an admixture of Christian
>theology. Revitalization movements, as Wallace points out, draw upon
>the cultural institutions already present in the culture. They are
>not, in other words totally new. I like the term "revitalization" for
>this reason. Movements which arise at times of transition, or in
>response to pressures from within an established institution. In the
>case of Tong-il, it's precedants can be found in other Korean
>movements such as Ch'ondogyo, which won favor due to it's
>anti-Japanese activities during the period of annexation.
>
>Because Rev. Moon's group went international, beginning in 1959, it
>has developed unusual characteristics, most revitalization movements
>remain a local phenomenon. Much of the research into the movement has
>been done by sociologists, interested in the fact that the people of
>highly industrialized nations have joined, what was originally a very
>indigenous, Korean folk movement.
>
>I'm most interested in that aspects, the movements Korean origins.
>
>Hope this has helped to clarify my terms and my interests.
>
>
This is very interesting. Its amazing that a revitalization movement went
international, but when you think of it there are probably many other
examples. The cult of Guadalupe, in Mexico, definitely became big but I
don't think it is prevalent anywhere else, except parts of S. America? There
are many examples among the Maya--revolt of Cancuc, Caste Wars, etc. I
read an excellent book on Cancuc, "Soldiers of the Virgin", but I have
forgotten the author. Also, "Indian Christ, Indian King" by Nash(?). Oh
well, my memory is too shot to carry on an intelligent conversation :(
james
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