ABSTRACT

The study aimed to investigate the role of new religious movements (NRMs) in facilitating rural development. The primary objective was to identify the specific areas where NRMs have made contributions to rural development.The study employed a cross-sectional survey design to examine the reasons behind the proliferation of NRMs, their contributions to rural development, and the challenges they face in this context. A sample of 70 respondents was selected using a simple random sampling technique, and structured questionnaires were administered to collect data. The response rate was 100%.The findings revealed that the growth of NRMs in Buea, Cameroon, can be attributed to factors such as rapid urbanization, the pursuit of wealth, higher levels of education, the desire for miracles, breakthroughs, and their reputation for healing abilities.NRMs have made significant contributions to rural community development in various areas, including the provision of electricity, water, lodging facilities, roads, education, health facilities, and charitable support.However, NRMs encounter challenges such as being labeled as occultic, facing prejudice from society, being accused of destroying families, the failure of their prophecies and miracles, and the inability to fulfill healing claims. The study concludes by making recommendations based on these findings.

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Backgrounds to the Study

Defining and conceptualizing new religious movements (NRMs) presents challenges as there is no consensus among scholars, media, and stakeholders. The term “new” is misleading as many NRMs incorporate teachings from ancient Greek Gnostics or ancient Indian philosophy. Some NRMs trace their origin back to the beginning of creation.

Additionally, the term “religious” is problematic as some NRMs distance themselves from organized religion, considering it superstitious and dogmatic. They view their practices as science or adherence to higher laws of nature.

Cameroon’s religious landscape is diverse, with various religious forms and agents competing for relevance and visibility. Western missionary churches, Pentecostal/Charismatic churches, indigenous religious institutions, independent ritual specialists, Spiritual churches, Islamic groups, and the Bahai Faith are part of this religious pluralism.

This intense competition has led religious institutions to adopt business-like strategies to attract followers and undermine competing traditions. Pentecostalism has gained dominance in Cameroon, characterized by negative attitudes towards indigenous churches, branding them as outdated, irrelevant, evil, and backward.

The emergence of NRMs in Cameroon, particularly in Buea, has contributed to the development of the region in various aspects of human life. The spiritual healing therapy offered by these NRMs, such as the Act of God Ministry led by Apostle John Chi, has been effective and influential.

Based on these observations, the researcher designed this study to explore the contributions of new religious movements to rural development in Buea.

1.2 Statement of the Problem

NRMs in Cameroon, specifically in Buea, are growing alongside highly institutionalized mainstream religions that dominate the socio-political landscape. The proliferation of NRMs in Buea can be attributed to factors such as globalization, secularism, spread of education, urbanization, religious experiences, and existential crises.

Members of NRMs face discrimination, accusations, and negative stereotypes due to their unorthodox beliefs. They are often accused of engaging in blood rituals or manipulating their members psychologically. This study aims to investigate the reasons for the proliferation of NRMs in Buea, their contributions to rural development, and the challenges they face in this context.

1.3 Research Questions

1.3.1 Main Research Question

In what areas have new religious movements contributed to rural development?

1.3.2 Specific Research Questions

What are the reasons for the proliferation of NRMs in Buea?

What contributions have NRMs made to rural development in Buea?

What challenges do NRMs face in rural development in Buea?

1.4 Research Objectives

1.4.1 General Objective

The general objective of this study is to identify the areas where new religious movements have contributed to rural development.

1.4.2 Specific Objectives

To determine the reasons for the proliferation of NRMs in Buea.

To examine the contributions of NRMs to rural development in Buea.

To investigate the challenges faced by NRMs in rural development in Buea.

1.5 Significance of the Study

This study holds theoretical and practical significance.

Theoretically, the study contributes to existing knowledge, literature, and reference materials on the contributions of NRMs to rural development.

Practically, the findings will provide insights into the specific areas where NRMs have contributed to rural development. The study can serve as a valuable resource for policy formulation and strategies to address the challenges faced by NRMs in rural development.

1.6 Definition of Terms

According to Stark and Bainbridge (1987), NRMs are founded by entrepreneurs who produce, market, and sell compensators in exchange for other rewards. Compensators are unverifiable promises of future rewards that are scarce or unavailable at present. NRMs offer compensators when certain rewards are scarce, and people are willing to accept them instead of actual rewards.