Wearing Their Faith
New Religious Movements, Dress, and Fashion in America

By (author) Lynn S. Neal

ISBN13: 9781009304658

Imprint: Cambridge University Press

Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Format: Paperback / softback

Published: 13/02/2025

Availability: POD

Description
New Religious Movements (NRMs) have a long, interconnected history with distinct forms of dress and clothing. However, research on NRMs has not focused sufficiently on the clothing and material culture of these groups. In response, this Element examines the central role that dress plays in the creation of charismatic leaders and the formation of faithful followers. Through a variety of case studies – ranging from Maharishi Mahesh Yogi to Father Divine, from the Children of God to the Nation of Islam – we see how dress and fashion practices provide people with a powerful way to live and wear their faith. In addition, the fashion industry takes note and incorporates ideas about cults and clothing into their trends and styles. In doing so, it fuels the cult stereotype and fosters normative understandings of what constitutes good religion.
Introduction; 1. Clothing and the creation of the cult leader; 2. Dress and the devotion of NRM followers; 3. Fashion and the maintenance of the cult stereotype; 4. Concluding thoughts; References.
  • Alternative belief systems
  • Religious & spiritual leaders
  • Postgraduate, Research & Scholarly
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Weight:147.00
List Price: £17.00