Establishing the Revolutionary

New religions in Japan claim millions of members, while simultaneously provoking criticism and fulfilling social functions. Written by an international range of scholarly experts, this book serves as a handbook about these new Japanese religions on the basis of recent research. The introductory chapters offer general analyses of the historical, doctrinal, social, and economic aspects, and facilitate the understanding of these new religions within their overall contexts. Ten religions of major importance are introduced in detail as to their founder, circumstances of foundation, history, doctrine, present situation, and activities. These include: Omoto * Seicho no Ie * Sekai Kyuseikyo * Shinnyo-en * Soka Gakkai * Rissho Kosei-kai * Mahikari * Kofuku no Kagaku * Aum Shinrikyo/Aleph/Hikari no Wa * Chino Shoho/Pana-Wave Laboratory. Other important religious organizations are covered in encyclopedic references. (Series: BUNKA - WENHUA. Tubinger Ostasiatische Forschungen. Tuebingen East Asian Studies - Vol. 20)